QUALITY-OF-LIFE IN CIRRHOTIC-PATIENTS AFT ER LIVER-TRANSPLANTATION

In this study we assessed the quality of life of a group of cirrhotic patients who underwent liver transplant using a psychological test to evaluate family relations, work activity, emotional state and social r elations. The quantification of hospital dependence and degree of fitn ess for work, before and after the transplant were also analyzed. 32 p atients were included in the study with the diagnosis of hepatic cirrh osis and minimum post-transplant follow-up of 6 months. The average ag e of the study population was 44.8+/-10.5 years; there were 23 males a nd 9 females, with an average follow-up of 15 months. The psychologica l test used was the Quality of Life Scale (QLS), which consists of 21 items, each scoring from 1 to 6 points. The questionnaire was complete d before the transplant by all the patients, and after the transplant by 32 patients at 6 months, 20 at 12 months and 12 at 24 months. Hospi tal dependence was evaluated by number of admissions and number of day s per admission. Lastly, we compare the rate of unfitness for work bef ore the transplant and at one and two years after the transplant. The QLS test showed a post-transplant improvement in the 4 aspects assesse d, specially in the personal aspects (emotions and family) (p<0,001). Hospital dependence following pre-transplant situation (p<0,01). Final ly, the post-transplant percentage of unfitness for work decreased wit h time, reaching significant differences 2 years after de liver transp lant (p<0,05).