Emotional reactions of children and adolescents to renal transplantation.

Coping defenses of children undergoing renal transplantation were taxed as the child progressed through the crucial phases of surgical procedures. Four of 12 children displayed serious disruption of defense mechanisms at some point during hospitalization with recovery of equilibrium when the stress was removed. Hemodialysis evoked a forceful emotional reaction. The most vulnerable period appeared to be immediately postoperative when ego resources could be depleted if surgical complications occurred. Profound depression or regression could be seen in a previously functional child.