Quality of life and cognitive function of liver transplant patients: A prospective study

The presence of cognitive impairment in end-stage liver disease is well rec ognized, as are patient reports of an impoverished quality of life. The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate the effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on these factors. Thirty-two adult patients activate d for OLT participated in the study. Assessments were made on activation an d at 1, 3, and 9 months post-OLT, with 24 transplant recipients available f or reassessment at 3 months. Two control groups (10 patients with nonalcoho lic cirrhosis and 10 healthy volunteers) also completed the test protocol a t four 2-month intervals. The test battery included the Austin Quality-of-L ife Scale, Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, Benton's Controlled O ral Word Test, and the Complex Figure of Rey. The OLT group showed signific ant improvement in cognitive performance and their reported quality of life . These changes were evident by 3 month post-OLT and remained stable at sub sequent testing. The central groups typically remained stable over test occ asions. Clearly, OLT extends life and, most importantly, improves patients' quality of life and their cognitive functioning.