Predictors of quality of life in patients evaluated for liver transplantation

IntroductionHealth-related quality of life (HRQOL) is severely impaired in advanced liver disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of actual liver function and disease-specific factors on HRQOL of patients evaluated for liver transplantation. Patients and MethodsDisease-specific QOL was analyzed in 142 patients evaluated for liver transplantation using the German version of the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ-D). We performed quantitative liver function tests and collected clinical and demographical data of patients after their referral to our transplant department. Values were correlated with CLDQ-D scores. ResultsNeither model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) nor dynamic liver function test results were related to quality of life. Serum albumin concentration was a strong but not independent factor correlated with global CLDQ-D (r=0.269, p<0.001). Independent predictors of global CLDQ-D were ascites and butyrylcholinesterase serum concentration (B=-0.486, p<0.001 and B=0.196, p=0.002, respectively). ConclusionActual liver function is not related to decreased quality of life, whereas ascites and hypoproteinemia represent the major factors influencing physical and social aspects of daily life in potential liver transplant candidates.