Psychiatric and social outcome following liver transplantation for alcoholic liver disease: a controlled study

Psychiatric outcome, quality of life, and alcohol consumption were compared between patients transplanted for alcoholic liver disease and those transplanted for other chronic liver diseases. Instruments used included the Clinical Interview Schedule, the 28-item General Health Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Nottingham Health Profile. There was no difference between the two groups with regard to median scores or "caseness" on these instruments, except for physical mobility on the Nottingham Health Profile, where the alcoholic group was more likely to experience difficulties (p = 0.03). The majority of those transplanted for alcoholic liver disease remained abstinent, although 7 of the 31 in the alcoholic group (23%) were drinking above recommended safe limits. Psychosocial outcome is similar for individuals transplanted for alcoholic liver disease and those transplanted for other chronic liver diseases. Patients should not be excluded from transplantation on grounds of their drinking history.