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Fatigue and physical function after orthotopic liver transplantation
Mette Aadahl1, Bent Adel Hansen, Preben Kirkegaard
1Department of Medical Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. maadahl@rh.dk
Summary
Liver transplant recipients report poorer physical health and more fatigue than the general population. Diagnosis, work status, and time since transplant significantly impact physical function and fatigue levels post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Transplantation medicine
- Quality of life studies
Background:
- Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a key treatment for liver failure.
- OLT significantly affects patient survival and health-related quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- Describe self-rated health in Danish OLT recipients.
- Compare OLT recipients' health to the general population.
- Examine factors influencing postoperative physical function and fatigue.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 130 adult OLT recipients (1990-1998) using SF-36, MFI, and HADS.
- Assessed self-rated health, fatigue, anxiety, and depression.
- Investigated associations with demographics, diagnosis, and time post-OLT.
Main Results:
- OLT recipients reported poorer physical health but similar mental health compared to the general population.
- Physical fatigue was more prevalent than mental fatigue.
- Alcoholic/cryptogenic cirrhosis, unemployment, and shorter time post-OLT (1-3 years) correlated with poorer physical function and increased fatigue.
Conclusions:
- OLT recipients experience significant physical impairments and fatigue.
- Diagnosis, work status, and time since transplantation are critical factors affecting recovery and quality of life.
- Targeted interventions addressing physical function and fatigue are needed for OLT survivors.