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, crosssectional 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 selfadministered 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.

Fatigue and physical function after orthotopic liver transplantation

“…[8][9][10][11] This study found that HRQL of Danish liver transplant recipients was poorer than that of the Danish general population. Other studies that used the SF-36 instrument found significant differences on physical health aspects, but no difference on the SF-36 dimension Mental Health.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] HRQL of liver transplant recipients seemed close to that of general populations, but somewhat lower. [7][8][9][10][11] The difference was more evident in physical than mental areas, and most studies found that liver transplant recipients experienced physical limitations and symptoms several years after OLT. 2,[7][8][9]12,13 Fatigue has been found to be a common problem among liver transplant recipients.…”

“…[7][8][9][10][11] The difference was more evident in physical than mental areas, and most studies found that liver transplant recipients experienced physical limitations and symptoms several years after OLT. 2,[7][8][9]12,13 Fatigue has been found to be a common problem among liver transplant recipients. 2,[7][8][9]12,13 One follow-up study found that 157 patients with cholestatic liver disease experienced less fatigue after OLT, but fatigue still remained the most frequent symptom 1 year after OLT.…”

“…2,[7][8][9]12,13 Fatigue has been found to be a common problem among liver transplant recipients. 2,[7][8][9]12,13 One follow-up study found that 157 patients with cholestatic liver disease experienced less fatigue after OLT, but fatigue still remained the most frequent symptom 1 year after OLT. 2 During the last few years, several investigators have argued that fatigue contains both physical and psychological aspects and should be viewed as a multidimensional construct.…”

Health-related quality of life after liver transplantation: A meta-analysis

“…Seven studies used the SF-36. 38,47,48,56,[89][90][91] None reported pretransplantation data, and five studies reported posttransplantation scores for 468 patients (Fig. 2).…”