Longitudinal Study on Quality of Life in Liver Transplant Recipients in Southwest China

OBJECTIVE: To explore the long-term postoperative health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of liver transplant recipients in Southwest China. Survivors' physical rehabilitation and psychological changes at 3 stages were used to investigate parameters of their life and assess long-term outcomes of liver transplant among the subjects, especially those living more than 10 years postoperatively. STUDY DESIGN: Data were collected using Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (MOS SF-36) for self-reported HRQoL variables at 3 stages over 8 years. Changes in all dimensions of HRQoL were analyzed every 4 years. Disease-related information of the subjects was obtained from the Transplantation Center database. RESULTS: Compared with a reference general population, the liver transplant recipients showed significantly worse HRQoL scores for all SF-36 domains (p <0.05). However, scores improved postoperatively in subsequent years. Patients living for more than 10 years postoperatively showed significant improvements in health status. Despite aging and reductions in somatic function and physical activity, the long-term survivors showed their mental health scores improved, indicating improved psychological conditions in patients. CONCLUSION: Liver transplant recipients demonstrated gradual HRQoL development. Patients living for more than 10 years postoperatively showed high mental health scores, suggesting improvement in their psychological condition.