Quality of life in pediatric liver transplantation in a single-center in South America

Abstract

HRQOL in children after LT has not been systematically measured in transplant recipients from South American countries. The aim of this study was to determine the HRQOL using a validated measure for children. The CHQOL-PF50 was completed by the parents of 54 patients after the clinical assessment. Subscale mean scores were compared with both a normal population (n = 274) and a group of chronic illness patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (n = 23). Compared with the normal population, LT recipients had lower subscales scores for general health perceptions, role/social emotional, mental health, and parental impact on time. Bodily pain was significantly lower in our study group. Both mean physical and psychosocial summary scores were lower compared to the normal population but similar to the JIA group. Within the LT population, gender, original diagnosis, type of immunosuppression, type of transplant and time elapsed since LT did not significantly influence any of the summary scores. Our study showed LT children's physical and psycho-social areas were lower compared with those of the general population. LT children had less limitations due to pain. Family functioning appeared normal.