HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE (HRQOL) IN LONG-TERM LIVER TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS: EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.

Abstract

1827 Liver transplant is an accepted form of therapy for end stage liver disease, with continuously increasing success rates. Little is known about physical functioning or quality of life in liver transplant recipients over time. We were interested in the effects of physical activity on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in long-term liver transplant recipients. The SF-36 questionnaire was sent to 320 patients. Additional questions about participation in physical activity and other medical conditions were also included. Questionnaires were returned from 165 patients (52% return rate) who were 5 years or more post transplant (48% female, x age 53.7 years). Scales were scored with higher scores being more positive. Thirty-three percent were categorized as 'active' (3x/week for 20 or more minutes per session). Physically active patients scored significantly higher on all 'physical' scales: physical functioning (p<.000); role limitations due to physical problems (p<.03); body pain (p<.04); general health (p<.01). The vitality scale was also higher in active patients (p<.008). The physical composite scale score was higher in active patients (p<.01). There were no differences in the mental composite scale scores. Fewer active patients reported symptoms of muscle cramping during walking (14.3% vs 42.0% (p<.03); hypertension (39.1% vs 62%; p<.01); antihypertensive medications (34% vs 64%; p<.03). Active patients did report higher incidence of bone/joint discomfort (69% vs 45; p<.04). Physically active liver transplant recipients have better self-reported HRQOL than inactive patients, however we cannot rule out the possibility that inactivity is due to poorer general health. Further investigation of the effects of physical activity in liver transplant recipients is warranted.