Health-related quality of life after liver transplantation

Abstract

To gather information regarding how to best assist liver transplant recipients in improving their self-care capacity and well-being, we investigated their total health situation. A retrospective, cross-sectional survey with up to a 10-year follow-up concerning experienced health and quality of life after liver transplantation (LTX) was conducted. The aim of this study was to provide descriptive data on the experienced health and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after LTX and to evaluate whether the pretransplantation medical conditions affected these parameters. All patients who had undergone LTX, were alive at the time of the study, and had a follow-up of more than 6 months (n = 134) were asked to complete three self-administered questionnaires. The response rate was 95% (n = 120). There was no correlation between pretransplantation Child-Pugh score and HRQOL after LTX. Liver transplant recipients were more limited in their physical health than healthy subjects but were equal in social functioning and mental health. Twenty-six percent suffered from severe bodily pain. A significant difference was reported in all health areas, with the exception of vitality and social functioning, between employed and unemployed transplant recipients. Liver transplant recipients suffered from limited physical functioning many years after transplantation. Their social functioning and mental health were not negatively affected. This study emphasizes that bodily pain and difficulties in performing regular activities because of physical illness are problems frequently experienced by liver transplant recipients.