[Sexual and reproductive function in female liver transplant recipients]

Abnormalities in sexual and reproductive functions are common in women with end-stage liver disease and may be reversible after liver transplantation.

Evaluate sexual and reproductive function in female recipients of liver transplantation at the Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.

Between September 1991 and December 2001 94 women underwent liver transplantation at "Hospital de Clinicas" of the Federal University of Parana. Twenty-eight female recipients (mean age 44.17 +/- 13.60 years old) fulfilled the following inclusion criteria: age > or = 16 years at liver transplant, post-transplant survival > or = 6 months, be alive and in regular follow-up at our Institution during the period of the study, and agreed to participate of the study. Medical records were reviewed and all subjects were answered by a questionnaire covering the following issues: timing and pattern of menstruation before and after transplant, sexual activity and contraceptive practices before and after transplant, pregnancy after transplant, frequency of cervical cytology and occurrence of gynecological malignant neoplasia after transplant, and aspects of sexuality domain after liver transplantation.

The median post-transplant follow-up was 36.5 months (range, 6 to 110 months) and the main indication for liver transplantation was hepatitis C (25%). All patients had normal liver function tests. Excluding six patients who underwent hysterectomy or were in postmenopausal period, 13 of 22 women (59.1%) reported amenorrhea in the year before transplantation. After liver transplantation, 19 of 22 patients (86.4%) promptly recovered menstrual function, after a median period of 1 month (range, 1 to 7 months). Normalization of menstrual function occurred in all women with age 45 or younger. About 71.4% of 28 women were sexually active after transplantation and 70% indicated satisfaction with their relationship. Four successful pregnancies (one gemelar) occurred in three patients and five healthy live-born infants have been delivered, all full term. Most of the patients had cervical cytology at least annually in the post-transplant period. One case of endometrial carcinoma was diagnosed in a 64 year old woman, three years after transplantation and was successfully treated by panhysterectomy.

Most of female liver transplant recipients of child-bearing age recover menstrual function a few months after transplantation and successful pregnancy may occur. As libido and fertility return promptly after liver transplantation, patients should be counseled on safe contraception practices. Most of liver transplant recipients are sexually active and feel satisfied about their relationship. There is a good compliance of patients regarding screening for cervical neoplasm.