Persistent fatigue in liver transplant recipients: a two-year follow-up study

Sleep disturbances in chronic liver disease

Sleep disturbances are common in chronic liver disease and significantly impact patient outcomes and quality of life. The severity and nature of sleep disturbances vary by liver disease etiology and severity. While there is ongoing research into the association between liver disease and sleep-wake dysfunction, the underlying pathophysiology varies and, in many cases, is poorly understood. Liver disease is associated with alterations in thermoregulation, inflammation, and physical activity, and is associated with disease-specific complications, such as HE, that may directly affect sleep. In this article, we review the relevant pathophysiologic processes, disease-specific sleep-wake disturbances, and clinical management of CLD-associated sleep-wake disturbances.

Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Functional Outcomes and Disposition After Liver Transplant

Objective

To describe the outcomes (change in functional independence and discharge disposition) of patients who after liver transplantation received acute inpatient rehabilitation in a freestanding rehabilitation hospital.

Design

A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients admitted to an acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital within 6 months of undergoing liver transplantation between January 2014 and December 2018. Change in function from rehabilitation admission to discharge was measured using FIM Change and FIM Efficiency.

Setting

A freestanding rehabilitation hospital.

Participants

107 patients who underwent acute inpatient rehabilitation at a freestanding rehabilitation hospital within 6 months after liver transplantation who met inclusion criteria (N=107). Most were men (71.96%), and the mean age of the patient population was 62.15 years.

Interventions

Acute inpatient rehabilitation consisting of at least 3 hours of therapy 5 days a week split between physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology services.

Main Outcome Measure

FIM Change, FIM Efficiency, Discharge Disposition.

Results

Participants were found to have statistically significant positive FIM Change (P<.00001) and FIM Efficiency (P<.00001). The mean FIM Change and Efficiency were 35.7±11.8 and 2.4±1.0, respectively. 83.2% (n = 89) were ultimately discharged to the community.

Conclusion

Acute inpatient rehabilitation provides patients who have received a liver transplant with the opportunity to measurably improve their function and independence, with most patients being able to return home.

An initial exploration of fatigue as a predictor of quality of life in transplant athletes competing at national and international events

Supporting organ transplant recipients' quality of life after surgery continues to be of interest to health researchers and applied practitioners. However, literature and guidance on the factors linked to quality of life in transplant recipient athletes remains underreported. This study aimed to identify significant predictors of quality of life in an international sample of organ transplant recipient athletes (N = 99, Mage = 53 ± 14). Adopting a cross-sectional design, we collected the study data during the 2019 World Transplant Games which consisted of demographic items, health, and physical activity-related measures (i.e., task and ego orientation, fatigue severity, assessment of physical activity, physical activity enjoyment). Predictor variables were summarised into three categories: demographic factors, sport-related factors, and levels of fatigue with physical and mental quality of life functioning as the outcome variables. Hierarchical regression analyses exposed fatigue to exert a significant negative influence on both mental and physical quality of life perceptions explaining 49% and 64% of the variance in these variables respectively. Routine measurement and monitoring of transplant athletes' level of fatigue in sport settings are recommended due to the negative bearing on quality of life that may be a potential barrier to sport participation and enjoyment.

Long-Term Declines in Physical Fitness and Physical Activity for Individuals With Post-Liver Transplantation Compared to Healthy Controls

Functional changes are essential determinants of mortality and morbidity in individuals with chronic liver disease. However, there is limited information about whether these changes persist long-term after liver transplantation (LT). We aimed to compare physical fitness, physical activity, balance, kinesiophobia, and fatigue between patients with LT and healthy controls. All participants underwent evaluation with the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) for exercise capacity and physical fitness, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for physical activity, the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUG) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for balance, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) for kinesiophobia, and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) for fatigue. We studied 16 persons with LT (M age = 40.56, SD = 15.73 years; M time since LT = 66.81, SD = 72.05 months) and 16 control participants (M age = 39.87, SD = 13.98 years). Compared to controls, participants with LT showed significantly poorer performance on the SFT components assessing upper and lower body strength, aerobic endurance, agility, and dynamic balance (p < .001 for all), significantly lower IPAQ physical activity scores (p = .002) and BBS score (p = .017), and significantly higher TUG time (p < .001) and TSK, FSS, and FIS scores (p = .001, p = .001, and p = .004, respectively). Individuals with post-LT had lower exercise capacity, physical fitness, balance, and physical activity, and higher kinesiophobia and fatigue levels in the long-term compared to their peers. Future studies should focus on frailty in individuals in the long term after LT.

Health-related Quality of Life and Fatigue in Liver Transplant Recipients Receiving Tacrolimus Versus Sirolimus-based Immunosuppression: Results From a Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

The impact of different immunosuppression regimes on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the severity of fatigue in liver transplant recipients is largely unknown. We investigated the impact of a sirolimus-based regimen compared with a tacrolimus (TAC)-based regimen on the HRQoL and the severity of fatigue.

METHODS

In this multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled trial, 196 patients were randomized 90 d after transplantation to (1) once daily normal-dose TAC or (2) once daily combination therapy of low-dose sirolimus and TAC. HRQoL was measured with the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, the EQ-visual analog scale, and the severity of fatigue questionnaire Fatigue Severity Score (FSS). The EQ-5D-5L scores were translated to societal values. We examined the HRQoL and the FSS over the course of the study by fitting generalized mixed-effect models.

RESULTS

Baseline questionnaires were available for 87.7% (172/196) of the patients. Overall, patients reported the least problems in the states of self-care and anxiety/depression and the most problems in the states of usual activities and pain/discomfort. No significant differences in HrQol and FSS were seen between the 2 groups. During follow-up, the societal values of the EQ-5D-5L health states and the patient's self-rated EQ-visual analog scale score were a little lower than those of the general Dutch population in both study arms.

CONCLUSIONS

The HRQoL and FSS were comparable in the 36 mo after liver transplantation in both study groups. The HRQoL of all transplanted patients approximated that of the general Dutch population, suggesting little to no residual symptoms in the long term after transplantation.

Is socioeconomic deprivation associated with worse quality of life, anxiety and depression in liver transplant recipients? A cross-sectional study in a national transplantation programme

OBJECTIVE

To identify whether socioeconomic deprivation is associated with worse health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), anxiety and depression following liver transplantation.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Liver transplant recipients within a national transplantation programme.

METHODS

Participants completed the condition-specific 'Short Form of Liver Disease Quality of Life' Questionnaire, the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The aggregate HR-QoL Score (range 0-100) was derived, and multivariable linear regression was performed based on sociodemographic and clinical variables to estimate its independent association with Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintiles. The GAD-7 Questionnaire and PHQ-9 were used to screen respondents for anxiety and depression, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to estimate their independent association with SIMD quintiles.

RESULTS

Some 331 patients completed the questionnaires. Quintiles were equally distributed in the cohort, with no significant differences observed in underlying patient characteristics. Following multivariable adjustment, greater socioeconomic deprivation was associated with lower post-transplantation HR-QoL scores, with a difference of 9.7 points (95% CI: 4.6 to 14.9, p<0.001) between the most and least deprived quintiles. Recipients living in areas of least deprivation were less likely to suffer from anxiety (OR 0.05, 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.28, p=0.003) or depression (OR 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.56, p=0.009).

CONCLUSION

Despite the highly selected nature of liver transplant recipients, those living in the most deprived areas have a significantly lower HR-QoL and are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.

Avenues within the gut-liver-brain axis linking chronic liver disease and symptoms

Symptoms of fatigue, social withdrawal and mood disturbances are commonly encountered in patients with chronic liver disease and have a detrimental effect on patient quality of life. Treatment options for these symptoms are limited and a current area of unmet medical need. In this review, we will evaluate the potential mechanistic avenues within the gut-liver-brain axis that may be altered in the setting of chronic liver disease that drive the development of these symptoms. Both clinical and pre-clinical studies will be highlighted as we discuss how perturbations in host immune response, microbiome, neural responses, and metabolites composition can affect the central nervous system.

Incidence and prevalence of depressive, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms among adult liver transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Psychological morbidity among transplant recipients may negatively impact post-transplantation outcomes. Our objectives were to compute pooled incidence and prevalence estimates for depressive, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms among adults who underwent liver transplant.

METHODS

Electronic searches of MEDLINE, PubMed Central, CINAHL, and Google Scholar were carried out from inception to October 2022 to identify observational studies conducted among adult liver transplant recipients which measured depression, anxiety, and/or insomnia. We used the Joanna-Briggs tool for study quality appraisal.

RESULTS

Sixty-five studies (pooled N = 12,183) provided data for meta-analysis. The one-year pooled point prevalence rate for depressive symptoms was 25% (95% Confidence Intervals [CI]: 20% to 30%; I² = 94%; 37 studies; N = 6088) while that of anxiety and insomnia symptoms were 29% (95% CI: 21% to 38%; I² = 96%; 28 studies; N = 4016) and 28% (95% CI: 16% to 43%; I² = 98%; 14 studies; N = 1834), respectively. The findings remained robust across subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Most included studies had low or moderate risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms are commonly prevalent following liver transplantation. Our findings, though limited by high heterogeneity across analyses, have important implications for screening, management, and prevention of psychological morbidity in this group.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

This protocol was submitted for registration with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD 42021276008).

Effect of Sleep Hygiene Education on Sleep Quality in Patients With Liver Transplantation

This study aimed to determine the effects of sleep hygiene education on sleep quality in liver transplant patients. In the literature, the efficacy of various pharmacological methods for reducing poor sleep quality associated with liver transplant patients and studies on nonpharmacological methods are limited. This study was conducted using a quasiexperimental design with a pre- and posttest, and a control group. When the power analysis was made, a sample size with 5% double-sided significance, 95% confidence interval, and 95% ability to represent the population was calculated to have a total of 100 liver transplant patients. The data were collected using a patient information form, and the Richard Campbell Sleep Quality Questionnaire. In the experimental group, the researcher gave a sleep hygiene training for 1 week. No treatment was performed in the control group. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics, a χ2 test, a t test for dependent groups, and a t test for independent groups were used. According to sleep hygiene training follow-ups after liver transplantation, the mean scores of sleep quality was similarly poor, with a statistical significance in the experimental group compared with the control group in all measurements before and after sleep hygiene training (P < .001). The sleep hygiene training applied to liver transplant patients positively affected and decreased the severity of sleep quality.

The mediating effect of social functioning on the relationship between social support and fatigue in middle-aged and young recipients with liver transplant in China

Objective

The objective of the study was to explore the relationship between social support and fatigue as well as the mediating role of social functioning on that relationship.

Background

Psychosocial factors such as social support and social functioning may influence patients’ fatigue symptoms. There is limited evidence on the relationship between social support, social functioning, and fatigue in liver transplant recipients.

Methods

A total of 210 patients with liver transplants from two tertiary hospitals were enrolled in the current study. Questionnaires used include one for general demographic data, the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS), and Fatigue Symptom Inventory (FSI).

Results

A total of 126 (60%) recipients reported fatigue. Gender, residence, BMI, and liver function were the primary factors affecting fatigue. Social support was positively correlated with social functioning and was negatively correlated with fatigue. The effect of social support on fatigue was partially mediated by social functioning (35.74%).

Conclusion

The fatigue of liver transplant recipients should be attended to. The higher the social support, the lower the fatigue of liver transplant recipients. Social support may also reduce fatigue through social functioning. The liver transplant team should help the liver transplant recipient establish a social support system, restore social functioning, and reduce fatigue symptoms.

Sleep and liver disease: a bidirectional relationship

Sleep is a complex, highly regulated process essential for human health and wellbeing. Increasingly, sleep-wake disturbance has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease, particularly the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol-related liver disease. Patients with cirrhosis also have a high burden of sleep abnormalities with substantial implications for their quality of life and physical health. This Review summarises the epidemiology and pathophysiology of sleep-wake disturbance in liver disease and discusses the multiple converging pathways leading to abnormal sleeping patterns in patients with cirrhosis. This includes contributions from altered melatonin metabolism, neuromuscular complications, and aberrant thermoregulation. In turn, a vicious cycle is established whereby disrupted sleep can further contribute to liver disease progression. We also begin to unravel the complex, interlinking relationship between sleep-wake disturbance and hepatic encephalopathy, discussing both overlapping and distinct mechanisms and clinical features. Finally, we summarise the current and future therapeutic approaches aiming to improve sleep quality in patients with cirrhosis.

Self-reported poor quality of sleep in solid organ transplant: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

High quality sleep of sufficient duration is vital to overall health and wellbeing. Self-reported poor quality of sleep, sleep reported as irregular in timing, marked by frequent awakenings, or shortened in duration, is common across the solid-organ transplant trajectory.

AIM

This Systematic Review aimed to summarize available literature on rates of self-reported poor quality of sleep among solid organ transplant candidates and recipients.

METHODS

A systematic search of published literature was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CINHAL, and PsychInfo databases with no date restrictions. Original articles in the English language describing self-reported quality of sleep using standardized questionnaires in adults either waitlisted for, or who received a solid organ transplant (heart, lung, kidney, liver, pancreas, or multi-solid organ) were included.

RESULTS

Of a potential 2054 articles identified, 44 were included (63.6% renal transplant, 20.5% liver transplant, 11.4% lung transplant, and 4.5% included multiple organ transplant populations), with the majority (68.2%) focusing only on post-transplant populations. No included articles focused solely on heart or pancreas transplant populations. On average, the transplant population with the greatest improvement in quality of sleep (reported as poor sleep quality, insomnia, sleep disturbance, or sleep dissatisfaction) from transplant candidacy to post-transplantation were renal transplant (from 53.5% pre, to 38.9% post) followed by liver transplant patients (from 52.8% pre, to 46.3% post), while lung transplant patients remained similar pre- to post-transplantation (55.6% pre, to 52% post). Poor quality of sleep was frequently associated with anxiety and depression, poorer quality of life, restless legs syndrome, and higher comorbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Reports of poor quality of sleep are highly prevalent across all solid-organ transplant populations, both pre- and post-transplantation. Future studies should assess quality of sleep longitudinally throughout all phases of the transplantation trajectory, with more research focusing on how to optimize sleep in solid organ transplant populations.

Using a novel concept to measure outcomes in solid organ recipients provided promising results

OBJECTIVES

Efforts to evaluate the health of solid organ transplant recipients are hampered by the lack of adequate patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) targeting this group. We developed the Transplant ePROM (TXP), which is based on a novel measurement model and administered through a mobile application to fill this gap. The main objective of this article is to elucidate how we derived the weights for different items, and to report initial empirical results.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

The nine health items in the TXP were fatigue, skin, worry, self-reliance, activities, weight, sexuality, stooling, and memory. Via an online survey solid organ recipient participating in the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort study (NCT03272841) were asked to describe and then compare their own health state with six other health states. Coefficients for item levels were obtained using a conditional logit model.

RESULTS

A total of 232 solid organ transplant recipients (mean age: 54 years) participated. The majority (106) were kidney recipients, followed by lung, liver, and heart recipients. Fatigue was the most frequent complaint (54%). The strongest negative coefficients were found for activities and worry, followed by self-reliance and memory.

CONCLUSION

A set of coefficients and values were developed for TXP. The TXP score approximated an optimal health state for the majority of respondents and recipients of different organs reported comparable health states.

Implications of Breast Cancer Chemotherapy-Induced Inflammation on the Gut, Liver, and Central Nervous System

Breast Cancer is still one of the most common cancers today; however, with advancements in diagnostic and treatment methods, the mortality and survivorship of patients continues to decrease and increase, respectively. Commonly used treatments today consist of drug combinations, such as doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide; docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide; or doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and paclitaxel. Although these combinations are effective at destroying cancer cells, there is still much to be understood about the effects that chemotherapy can have on normal organ systems such as the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and the liver. Patients can experience symptoms of cognitive impairments or “chemobrain”, such as difficulty in concentrating, memory recollection, and processing speed. They may also experience gastrointestinal (GI) distress symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, as well as hepatotoxicity and long term liver damage. Chemotherapy treatment has also been shown to induce peripheral neuropathy resulting in numbing, pain, and tingling sensations in the extremities of patients. Interestingly, researchers have discovered that this array of symptoms that cancer patients experience are interconnected and mediated by the inflammatory response.

Fatigue after heart transplantation - a possible barrier to self-efficacy

Rationale

Recovery after heart transplantation is challenging and many heart recipients struggle with various transplant‐related symptoms, side‐effects of immunosuppressive medications and mental challenges. Fatigue has been reported to be one of the most common and distressing symptoms after heart transplantation and might therefore constitute a barrier to self‐efficacy, which acts as a moderator of self‐management.

Aim

To explore the prevalence of fatigue and its relationship to self‐efficacy among heart recipients 1–5 years after transplantation.

Research method

An explorative cross‐sectional design, including 79 heart recipients due for follow‐up 1–5 years after transplantation. Three different self‐assessment instruments were employed; The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory‐19, Self‐efficacy for managing chronic disease 6‐Item Scale and The Postoperative Recovery Profile.

Ethical approval

The study was approved by the Regional Ethics Board of Lund (Dnr. 2014/670‐14/10) with supplementary approval from the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (Dnr. 2019‐02769).

Results

The reported levels of fatigue for the whole group were moderate in all dimensions of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory‐19, with highest ratings in the General Fatigue sub‐scale. Those most fatigued were the groups younger than 50 years; pretransplant treatment with Mechanical Circulatory Support; not recovered or had not returned to work. Self‐efficacy was associated with the sub‐dimensions Mental Fatigue (ρ = −0·.649) and Reduced Motivation (ρ = −0·617), which explained 40·1% of the variance when controlled for age and gender.

Study limitations

The small sample size constitutes a limitation.

Conclusions

The moderate levels of fatigue reported indicate that it is not a widespread problem. However, for those suffering from severe fatigue it is a troublesome symptom that affects the recovery process and their ability to return to work. Efforts should be made to identify those troubled by fatigue to enable sufficient self‐management support.

Sleep disorder in patients with chronic liver disease: a narrative review

Sleep disturbance is a common feature of chronic liver disease (CLD) with impact on health-related quality of life; 60-80% of patients with CLD report subjective poor sleep; frequent presentations of sleep disturbance include insomnia, reduced sleep efficiency, increased sleep latency, reduced time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, restless leg syndrome and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Key contributors to sleep disturbance include hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and circadian rhythm imbalance due to altered melatonin metabolism. Specific conditions causing CLD, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic viral hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) result in different types of sleep disturbance, and the treatment of these conditions can often also lead to sleep disturbance. There are currently limited management options for sleep disturbance in CLD. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common condition that causes chronic intermittent hypoxia due to airway collapse during sleep. This chronic intermittent hypoxia appears to contribute to the development of NAFLD. The presence of reactive oxygen species and the overexpression of hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha secondary to hypoxia may be responsible for the second 'hit' of the 'two-hit' hypothesis of NAFLD. Treatment of the intermittent hypoxia with continuous positive airway pressure therapy has limited efficacy against liver dysfunction. There remain many outstanding areas of investigation in the management of sleep disturbance in CLD, and of liver dysfunction in OSA.

Psychological, Cognitive, and Laboratory Characteristics of End-Stage Liver Disease Patients

Background: End-Stage Liver Disease (ESLD) causes several clinical and psychological comorbidities. Some accompanying psychiatric disturbances have significant effects on the patients’ quality of life. Objectives: Thus, we aimed to evaluate some psychological characteristics of ESLD patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 91 ESLD patients aged 18 - 70 years. We assessed the patients using the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), Fatigue Severity Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Also, we measured the demographic and some laboratory data of the participants. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 21 software, and P values of less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The study included 68 men and 23 women with a mean age of 41.9 ± 13.72 years (range 19 - 68). The mean scores of fatigue (40.6 ± 14.8) and anxiety (12.98 ± 2.76) were more than the normal range. The most significant association was seen between age and CVLT items (attention (P = 0.01), immediate memory (P < 0.001), short delay free recall (0.01), and short delay cued recall (0.03). Conclusions: End-stage liver disease patients had anxiety, fatigue, and memory disorders in addition to their poor clinical conditions. Although the main treatment of ESLD is liver transplantation but the psychological and cognitive problems before transplantation in these patients are prognostic factors for post-operation compliance and follow up.

Quality of life after liver transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) enables rapid transition from critical illness and poor prognosis back to health. After LT, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) generally becomes comparable to that of the general population, although some deficits in mainly physical domains are frequent. However, recipients continue to have symptoms related to immunosuppression, complications, and other things, which impact HRQoL and the recipient's ability to regain independence and re-establish function in everyday life. Less than half of LT recipients return to work. Reportedly, HRQoL seems to deteriorate slightly over the long-term, but still remains satisfactory. Physical fatigue is common, but recent studies show that structured exercise programs improve both fatigue and HRQoL. Emerging evidence also suggests that continued patient information, structured psychosocial support systems, and caregiver involvement might further help improve long-term HRQoL. More research is needed to gain better understanding of the factors affecting long-term HRQoL, and how to best improve HRQoL.

Ademethionine in the treatment of fatigue in liver diseases: a systematic review

Fatigue has a significant effect on the condition of patients with liver disease. Ademethionine is considered one of the most promising drugs for its treatment. Aim. To systematize the published data on the treatment of hepatogenic fatigue with аdemethionine. Materials and methods. Search was performed using databases PubMed, EMBASE, Embase®, Medline®, eLIBRARY.ru, published in 1952-2018. Results and discussion. 16 articles were found on the use of ademethionine in liver diseases and the assessment of the dynamics of the symptom of fatigue, including 1 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 3 open randomized studies; most of the works were multicenter open observation programs. The studies included 3238 patients (of which 2820 were included in the final data analysis) and a wide range of liver diseases: alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, cirrhosis of different causes, viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury. Different doses, routes of administration of аdemethionine and the duration of the course were used. Conclusions. Ademethionine, regardless of the route of administration, is effective in the treatment of fatigue due to different liver disease in the short and long term. The dose-dependent effect of the drug and the possibility of maintaining post-effect after end of the treatment course should be assumed, but this requires further study in randomized clinical trials.

Role of Peripheral Inflammation in Hepatic Encephalopathy

A growing body of evidence now highlights a key role for systemic inflammation in altering behavior and mood in patients with liver disease. How inflammation occurring in the periphery in the context of liver disease, communicates with the brain to mediate changes in neurotransmission and thereby behavior is incompletely understood. Traditional routes of communication between the periphery and the brain involve neural (i.e. vagal afferent nerves) and humoral (blood-borne) pathways, with increased circulating levels of endotoxin and cytokines (especially Tumor Necrosis Factor α, TNFα) that occur during systemic inflammatory responses, as being primarily implicated in mediating signaling via these pathways. However, in recent years communication via peripheral immune-cell-to-brain and the gut-microbiota-to-brain routes have received increasing attention in the context of liver disease for their ability to modulate brain function, and generate a spectrum of symptoms ranging from fatigue and altered mood to overt Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE). In this review, we discuss periphery-to-brain communication pathways and their potential role in mediating systemic inflammation-associated alterations in behavior, that are in turn ultimately part of a spectrum of brain changes linked to the development of clinically apparent HE.

Fatigue 1–5 years after lung transplantation: A multicenter cross-sectional cohort study

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of fatigue among lung recipients 1–5 years after transplantation (LuTx) and to explore its relationship to distressing symptoms such as dyspnea, sleep problems, pain, and decreased appetite, as well as psychological and transplant specific wellbeing. A cross-sectional, multicenter cohort study was conducted. A total of 117 lung recipients with a mean age of 54 years ( SD 13 years) who were due for their annual follow-up were included at 1 year ( n = 35), 2 years ( n = 28), 3 years ( n = 23), 4 years ( n = 20), and 5 years ( n = 11) after lung transplantation. Several instruments were used: the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, the Organ Transplant and Symptom Well-being Instrument (OTSWI), the Pain-O-Meter, and the Psychological General Well-Being Index. Overall 56% reported high or severe fatigue. The Psychological General Well-Being sum score makes the strongest contribution ( p < .0001) to explaining the variance in general fatigue (Beta –.628). The results of the study indicate that efforts both to identify fatigue and to test interventions are needed after LuTx.

Change of sleep quality from pre- to 3 years post-solid organ transplantation: The Swiss Transplant Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Poor sleep quality (SQ) is common after solid organ transplantation; however, very little is known about its natural history. We assessed the changes in SQ from pre- to 3 years post-transplant in adult heart, kidney, liver and lung recipients included in the prospective nation-wide Swiss Transplant Cohort Study. We explored associations with selected variables in patients suffering persistent poor SQ compared to those with good or variable SQ.

METHODS

Adult single organ transplant recipients enrolled in the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study with pre-transplant and at least 3 post-transplant SQ assessment data were included. SQ was self-reported pre-transplant (at listing), then at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months post-transplant. A single SQ item was used to identify poor (0-5) and good sleepers (6-10). Between organ groups, SQ was compared via logistic regression analysis with generalized estimating equations. Within the group reporting persistently poor SQ, we used logistic regression or Kaplan-Meier analysis as appropriate to check for differences in global quality of life and survival.

RESULTS

In a sample of 1173 transplant patients (age: 52.1±13.2 years; 65% males; 66% kidney, 17% liver, 10% lung, 7% heart) transplanted between 2008 and 2012, pre- transplant poor SQ was highest in liver (50%) and heart (49%) recipients. Overall, poor SQ decreased significantly from pre-transplant (38%) to 24 months post-transplant (26%) and remained stable at 3 years (29%). Patients reporting persistently poor SQ had significantly more depressive symptomatology and lower global quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Because self-reported poor SQ is related to poorer global quality of life, these results emphasize the need for further studies to find suitable treatment options for poor SQ in transplant recipients.

Fatigue After Liver Transplant and Combined Liver and Kidney Transplant

OBJECTIVES

To date, fatigue is still poorly understood in recipients of orthotopic liver transplant and simultaneous/sequential liver and kidney transplant procedures. The present study examined the appearance of fatigue in patients who received orthotopic liver and sequential liver and kidney transplant procedures compared with the general population and the influence of various clinical and socioeconomic factors on fatigue levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory survey was sent to all patients with a history of orthotopic liver and simultaneous/sequential liver and kidney transplant. The results were compared to data from a reference population.

RESULTS

Our survey included 276 eligible patients: 256 recipients (92.7%) of orthotopic liver transplant and 20 recipients (7.3%) of simultaneous/sequential liver and kidney transplant. Significantly lower fatigue scores were found in the general population compared with both transplant groups (P < .001). There were also no significant differences between the transplant groups. Among the clinical and socioeconomic factors, history of hepatocellular carcinoma, chronic kidney disease, age, family status, and education had a significant impact on fatigue levels.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to compare fatigue in recipients of orthotopic liver and simultaneous/sequential liver and kidney transplant. We found that fatigue is an important but still poorly understood outcome after transplant.

Fatigue and its associated factors in liver transplant recipients in Beijing: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Fatigue is a highly prevalent symptom experienced by patients who underwent the liver transplantation. However, the influencing factors of fatigue are poorly understood by healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to examine the intensity, interference, duration and prevalence of fatigue in liver transplantation recipients and to explore the influencing factors of post-transplantation fatigue.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional design was used in this study.

METHODS

A convenience sample of liver transplant recipients was recruited at an outpatient transplant clinic of a general hospital in Beijing, China. Self-report survey data were provided by liver transplant recipients using the Fatigue Symptom Inventory (FSI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) and the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). Demographic, clinical and psychosocial parameters were evaluated as fatigue influencing factors.

RESULTS

Participants (n=285) included 69 women and 216 men. Fatigue was found in 87.0% of liver transplant recipients. Mean scores of fatigue intensity items were 4.47±2.85, 1.93±1.97, 3.15±2.13 and 2.73±2.42 (most fatigue, least fatigue, average fatigue in the week prior to assessment and fatigue at the point of assessment). The mean score of fatigue interference was 2.27±2.09.The number of days fatigued in the week prior to assessment was 2.26±2.02 and the amount of time fatigued each day was 2.75±2.44. Spearman's correlation analysis showed that fatigue intensity was positively associated with anxiety, depression and insomnia (p<0.001 for all), while fatigue interference was positively associated with gender, anxiety, depression and insomnia (p<0.05 for all). In the multiple linear regression analysis, anxiety and insomnia were positively associated with fatigue intensity (p<0.001), and insomnia, depression and anxiety were positively associated with fatigue interference (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue is common in liver transplant recipients, and it is strongly associated with insomnia, anxiety and depression.

From prolonging life to prolonging working life: Tackling unemployment among liver-transplant recipients

Return to active and productive life is a key goal of modern liver transplantation (LT). Despite marked improvements in quality of life and functional status, a substantial proportion of LT recipients are unable to resume gainful employment. Unemployment forms a threat to physical and psychosocial health, and impairs LT cost-utility through lost productivity. In studies published after year 2000, the average post-LT employment rate is 37%, ranging from 22% to 55% by study. Significant heterogeneity exists among studies. Nonetheless, these employment rates are lower than in the general population and kidney-transplant population. Most consistent employment predictors include pre-LT employment status, male gender, functional/health status, and subjective work ability. Work ability is impaired by physical fatigue and depression, but affected also by working conditions and society. Promotion of post-LT employment is hampered by a lack of interventional studies. Prevention of pre-LT disability by effective treatment of (minimal) hepatic encephalopathy, maintaining mobility, and planning work adjustments early in the course of chronic liver disease, as well as timely post-LT physical rehabilitation, continuous encouragement, self-efficacy improvements, and depression management are key elements of successful employment-promoting strategies. Prolonging LT recipients’ working life would further strengthen the success of transplantation, and this is likely best achieved through multidisciplinary efforts ideally starting even before LT candidacy.

Fatigue and related factors after liver transplantation

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS

Fatigue is common in chronic hepatitis and end-stage liver disease. However, little is known about fatigue after liver transplantation (LT). We therefore evaluated the prevalence, severity, and related factors of fatigue after LT.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed adult recipients who responded to our survey at outpatient clinics between April and May 2013. Fatigue and its severity were assessed using a questionnaire with the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). We defined fatigue as FSS of 4.0 or more and severe fatigue as FSS of 5.1 or more. The related factors including hepatocellular carcinoma and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 93 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 54.9 (19-76) years and two-thirds were men (67.7%). Living donor LT was 77.4%. Hepatitis B related liver disease was the main underlying disease (77.4%), with hepatocellular carcinoma accompanied in 33.3%. The mean follow-up period was 66.8±43.2 (2-171) months. The mean FFS was 2.83±1.48 (1.0-6.7) overall and 5.10±0.82 (4.0-6.7) in the fatigue group. Of the 93 adult patients, fatigue was presented in 20 patients (21.5%). Among these, 9 patients (45.0%) showed severe fatigue. Even though post-LT complications tended to be greater in the fatigue group (50.0% vs. 30.1% in the non-fatigue group, p=0.098), there were no significant related factors of fatigue after LT, including hepatocellular carcinoma and major complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue is present in a considerable portion of recipients after LT, and almost half of them have severe fatigue. Further efforts are needed to decrease fatigue in LT recipients.

Mapping chronic liver disease questionnaire scores onto SF-6D utility values in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

PURPOSE

The chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ) is a frequently used liver-specific quality of life instrument, but it does not provide information on preference-adjusted health status, which is essential for cost-utility analysis. We aimed to develop a mapping function deriving utilities from the CLDQ in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

METHODS

Short form-6D (SF-6D) utilities were calculated from SF-36 data collected in a recent prospective study in which unselected patients with PSC also completed the CLDQ. Ordinary least squares (OLS), generalized linear, median, and kernel regression analyses were employed to devise a mapping function predicting utilities. This was validated in three random subsamples of the cohort and in a separate sample of PSC patients following liver transplantation. Adjusted R (2) and root-mean-square error (RMSE) as well as Pearson's r coefficients and mean absolute errors between predicted and observed values were used to determine model performance.

RESULTS

Decompensated liver disease and fatigue, systemic symptoms, and emotional distress, assessed with the CLDQ, were related to worse SF-6D utilities. The final OLS prediction model explained 66.3 % of the variance in the derivation sample. Predicted and observed utilities were strongly correlated (r = 0.807, p < 0.001), but the mean absolute error (0.0604) and adjusted RMSE (10.6 %) were of intermediate size. Similar model characteristics were observed after employment of generalized linear and median regression models and at validation.

CONCLUSIONS

A model has been constructed, showing good validity predicting SF-6D utilities from CLDQ scores at the group level in PSC. Further testing is required to externally validate the model.

Health-related quality of life and sleep among Chinese children after living donor liver transplantation

LDLT is a well-established treatment for most terminal liver diseases in children. Survival rates have improved, yet few studies have considered HRQoL or sleep problems in LDLT recipients. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 51 children who had undergone LDLT in Renji Hospital. PedsQL(™) 4.0 Generic Core Scales, PedsQL(™) 3.0 Transplant Module, and Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire were used to assess outcomes. Of all participants, 11.8% (6/51) reported low total HRQoL scores. Participants' scores on most HRQoL subscales were comparable to the scores of healthy children. However, compared with solid organ transplant recipients, LDLT recipients scored significantly lower in About My Medicines II (t = 3.092, p = 0.002) and Worry (t = 2.760, p = 0.006). Sleep problems (41.2%) were common among participants. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that SRBD accounted for significant variance in HRQoL on total generic HRQoL (R(2) = 0.446, p < 0.001), psychosocial health (R(2) = 0.372, p = 0.001), physical health (R(2) = 0.345, p = 0.003), total transplant-specific HRQoL (R(2) = 0.514, p < 0.001), About My Medicines I (R(2) = 0.365, p = 0.013), My Transplant and Others (R(2) = 0.334, p = 0.005), Pain and Hurt (R(2) = 0.544, p < 0.001), Worry (R(2) = 0.401, p = 0.001), Treatment Anxiety (R(2) = 0.526, p < 0.001), How I Look (R(2) = 0.221, p = 0.040), and Communication (R(2) = 0.343, p = 0.012). In conclusion, sleep problems are non-negligible in children after LDLT and predicted significant variance on HRQoL.

Prevalence of psychological problems and associated transplant-related variables at different time periods after liver transplantation

After liver transplantation, recipients often experience psychological problems that are influenced by demographic, personal, and transplant-related variables. However, because previous studies have mostly reported on psychological problems and their influencing factors in the first years after transplantation, less is known about their prevalence and influence in the long run. The aims of this study were to examine point-prevalence rates of symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress (PTS) at different time periods after transplantation and to examine the transplant-related variables associated with these problems. A cross-sectional survey was performed among 373 liver transplant recipients who received transplants between 1979 and 2009 at our center. Five clinically relevant time periods were identified: 0.5 to <2 years, 2 to <5 years, 5 to <10 years, 10 to <15 years, and ≥15 years after transplantation. The response rate was 75% (n=281). Overall, 33.4% of the respondents experienced clinically relevant symptom levels of anxiety (28.7%), depression (16.5%), or PTS (10.0%). Symptoms of anxiety and depression were more prevalent in the first 2 years and in the long term after transplantation. PTS symptoms were more prevalent in the first 5 years after transplantation. However, the prevalence rates did not differ significantly between time periods. Viral hepatitis and the number of side effects of the immunosuppressive (IS) medication were found to be associated with all psychological problems. Alcoholic liver disease was associated with anxiety and depression in the short term after transplantation. In conclusion, a significant subset of transplant recipients experience psychological problems, both shortly after transplantation and in the long run. These problems are often associated with side effects from the IS medication. Therefore, the monitoring of psychological problems, the offering of psychological counseling, and the management of the medication's side effects should be part of the routine care of transplant recipients.

Fatigue after liver transplantation: effects of a rehabilitation program including exercise training and physical activity counseling

BACKGROUND

It is hypothesized that increasing physical fitness and daily physical activity can lead to a reduction in fatigue. However, standard medical care following liver transplantation seldom includes rehabilitation that focuses on physical fitness and physical activity.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore whether a rehabilitation program can reduce fatigue in recipients of liver transplants. Furthermore, effects on physical fitness, physical activity, and cardiovascular risk were studied, and adherence, satisfaction, and adverse events were assessed.

DESIGN

This was an uncontrolled intervention study.

SETTING

The study took place in an outpatient rehabilitation clinic.

PATIENTS

Eighteen recipients of a liver transplant who were fatigued participated in a 12-week rehabilitation program including physical exercise training and counseling on physical activity. The primary outcome measure was fatigue. Other outcome measures were: aerobic capacity, muscle strength, body fat, daily physical activity, lipid profile, and glycemic control. All measurements were performed before and after the rehabilitation program. Adherence, satisfaction, and adverse events were registered.

RESULTS

After the program, participants were significantly less fatigued, and the percentage of individuals with severe fatigue was 22% to 53% lower than before the program. In addition, aerobic capacity and knee flexion strength were significantly higher, and body fat was significantly lower after the program. Participants were able to perform physical exercise at the target training intensity, no adverse events were registered, and attendance (93%) and mean patient satisfaction (8.5 out of 10, range=7-10) were high.

LIMITATIONS

No control group was used in the study.

CONCLUSIONS

A rehabilitation program consisting of exercise training and physical activity counseling is well tolerated and seems promising in reducing fatigue and improving fitness among recipients of liver transplants.

Factors affecting health-related quality of life and physical activity after liver transplantation for autoimmune and nonautoimmune liver diseases: a prospective, single centre study

Background/Aim. With the improvement of the outcomes after liver transplantation (LTx), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and physical activity are becoming significant outcome parameters. We prospectively assessed these parameters in patients with autoimmune and nonautoimmune liver disorders undergoing LTx. Materials and Methods. Patients (n = 107) were subdivided into 3 groups depending on the time after LTx: group-A (n = 21): 6–12 months; group-B (n = 48): 13–36 months; and group-C (n = 38): >37 months. SF-36 and IPAQ were applied in HRQoL and physical activity assessment. Results. Females had impaired HRQoL in most SF-36 domains. Younger patients showed higher scores at SF-36 physical functioning domain but IPAQ was not influenced by age. Group-B had higher general health and physical component summary than group-A (P = 0.037, P = 0.04, resp.) and total IPAQ than group-C (P = 0.047). The sitting time domain was longer in group-A than in group-B and group-C (P = 0.0157;  P = 0.042, resp.). Employed patients had better HRQoL and higher physical activity than those not working. SF-36 and IPAQ were unrelated to the autoimmune etiology of liver disease. Conclusions. These findings show that female and unemployed patients have worse HRQoL, while gender and age at LTx time do not affect IPAQ's physical activity. The autoimmune etiology of liver disease does not influence HRQoL and physical activity after LTx.

Liver-brain interactions in inflammatory liver diseases: implications for fatigue and mood disorders

Chronic inflammatory liver diseases are often accompanied by behavior alterations including fatigue, mood disorders, cognitive dysfunction and sleep disturbances. These altered behaviors can adversely affect patient quality of life. The communication pathways between the inflamed liver and the brain that mediate changes in central neural activity leading to behavior alterations during liver inflammation are poorly understood. Neural and humoral communication pathways have been most commonly implicated as driving peripheral inflammation to brain signaling. Classically, the cytokines TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6 have received the greatest scientific attention as potential mediators of this communication pathway. In mice with liver inflammation we have identified a novel immune-mediated liver-to-brain communication pathway whereby CCR2(+) monocytes found within the peripheral circulation transmigrate into the brain parenchyma in response to MCP-1/CCL2 expressing activated microglia. Inhibition of cerebral monocyte infiltration in these mice significantly improved liver inflammation associated sickness behaviors. Importantly, in recent work we have found that at an earlier time point, when cerebral monocyte infiltration is not evident in mice with liver inflammation, increased monocyte:cerebral endothelial cell adhesive interactions are observed using intravital microscopy of the brain. These monocyte:cerebral endothelial cell adhesive interactions are P-selectin mediated, and inhibition of these interactions attenuated microglial activation and sickness behavior development. Delineating the pathways that the periphery uses to communicate with the brain during inflammatory liver diseases, and the central neurotransmitter systems that are altered through these communication pathways (e.g., serotonin, corticotrophin releasing hormone) to give rise to liver inflammation-associated sickness behaviors, will allow for the identification of novel therapeutic targets to decrease the burden of debilitating symptoms in these patients.

Symptom experienced three years after liver transplantation under immunosuppression in adults

Background & Aims

Immunosuppression-related symptom experience has not been covered thoroughly in long-term liver transplant recipients. The aim of this study was to assess the symptom experience of immunosuppressive therapy three years after liver transplantation and to correlate it with adherence to medications and sociodemographic or disease-related characteristics.

Methods

This study included 94 liver transplant recipients who had survived for more than 3 years after liver transplantation. Symptom experience was measured by the 59-Item Modified Transplant Symptom Occurrence and Symptom Distress Scale (MTSOSD-59R) at the outpatient visits. Adherence to immunosuppressive drugs was assessed using the Basel Assessment of Adherence with Immunosuppressive Medication Scale (BAASIS).

Results

Itching, concentration or memory problems, and fatigue were the three most frequent or most distressing symptoms. Factors significantly associated with a higher level of symptom frequency and distress were 3- to 5-year time cohort (i.e., time post-transplantation), and younger age. At the item level, concentration or memory problems were the most frequent and distressing symptoms in the 3- to 5-year time cohort. Itching was the most frequent and distressing symptom in the 5- to 9-year time cohort. Finally, relationship was found between symptom experience and nonadherence to immunosuppressive drugs.

Conclusions

Symptoms related to physical complaints or impairments were more often perceived and more distressing for liver transplant recipients 3 years after transplantation. Furthermore, the 3- to 5-year time cohort and younger age were associated with a higher degree of perceived symptom occurrence and symptom distress. Finally, recipients who perceived higher levels of symptom frequency and symptom distress reported higher levels of nonadherence.

The effect of liver transplantation on fatigue in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis: a prospective study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The role of liver transplantation (LT) for the relief of fatigue in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is unclear, and while many centers exclude fatigue as an indication for transplantation, there have been no studies to prospectively evaluate the impact of LT on fatigue. We aimed at assessing the severity of fatigue in LT candidates with PBC and the impact of LT on fatigue.

METHODS

In a prospective, longitudinal study, we used the PBC-40 questionnaire in 49 adult patients with PBC at listing and at 6, 12, and 24 months after LT and in two sex- and age-matched cohorts of community controls and non-transplanted PBC patients. Correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between liver function and fatigue. ANOVA was used to compare the variation of fatigue score before and after LT.

RESULTS

There was no correlation between MELD and fatigue before LT (r(2)=0.01). Overall, the fatigue score after LT was substantially lower than before LT, falling from 40.7 ± 11.4 pre-transplant to 27.7 ± 9.5, 28.7 ± 10.1, 26.2 ± 10.1 (p<0.0001) at 6, 12, and 24 months after LT, respectively. The same improvement of fatigue was observed in both low-MELD (<17) and high-MELD (≥ 17) patients. Improvement in fatigue was also evident in the comparison with a "non-transplant PBC" control group (31.1 ± 11.6, p=0.03). However, 44% of the total cohort, and 47% of those with low-MELD, for whom the probability of dying of LT may be higher than that of dying without LT, had moderate to severe fatigue (defined as a fatigue score ≥ 29) at two years after LT. Moreover, fatigue scores at two years were higher in the transplant PBC cohort compared to a cohort of community controls (17.8 ± 5.9, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Liver transplantation is associated with improvement in fatigue in patients with PBC. However, a substantial proportion of patients continue to suffer from significant fatigue after two years. Whether the improvement is enough to justify organ allocation in patients with fatigue alone, without liver failure, is still an open issue. Certainly, in the era of organ shortage, with many patients dying waiting for a graft, this may not represent the optimal use of donated deceased organs.

Quality of life and physical activity in liver transplantation patients: results of a case-control study in Italy

The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) and the physical activity of liver transplant recipients compared with the general population. The case-controlled pilot study was accomplished through the administration of 2 questionnaires: 36-item Medical Outcomes Study, Short-Form General Health Survey (SF-36) for quality of life (10 scores) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to estimate the physical activity (metabolic equivalent score). Fifty-four patients who underwent liver transplantation using the piggyback technique and 108 controls from the general population at the orthopedic ambulatories were enrolled between 2002 and 2009. Participants had a mean age of 55 years (range, 41-73). The multivariate analysis showed significant differences for some scales of the SF-36: liver transplant recipients displayed lower values for "Mental Composite Score" (P = .043), "physical activity" (P = .001), "role limitations due to physical health" (P = .006), "role limitations due to the emotional state" (P = .006), and "mental health" (P = .010). The metabolic equivalent positively associated with all examined SF-36 scales. The present study focused on the QOL and physical activity of liver transplant recipients, demonstrating that transplant recipients scored lower than the general population. Liver transplantation may allow full recovery of health status, but the physical and social problems persist in some patients. Interventions aimed at improving rehabilitation programs, regular psychosocial support, and follow-up in all phases of treatment may give patients a more satisfying lifestyle after transplantation.

Relationship between sleep problems and health-related quality of life among pediatric liver transplant recipients

Among adult liver transplant recipients (LTRs), sleep disturbances and fatigue are common. Sleep problems following pediatric liver transplantation may contribute to daytime fatigue and lower health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the impact of sleep problems on the HRQOL of pediatric LTRs using validated measures. Participants included 47 LTRs. Mean age of the LTRs was 10.9 ± 4.6 years, and mean time since transplantation was 6.2 ± 3.9 years. The primary indication for transplantation was biliary atresia (51%). According to parent reports, pediatric transplant recipients had symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness, daytime behavior problems, and restless legs; 40.4% of parents and 43.8% of children reported significantly lower total HRQOL for the recipients. Age, time since transplantation, and health status were not significantly related to the quality of life. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that the sleep-disordered breathing subscale of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire accounted for significant variance in parent-proxy reports on the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) summary scales measuring children's psychosocial health (R(2) = 0.36, P < 0.001), physical health (R(2) = 0.19, P = 0.004), and total HRQOL (R(2) = 0.35, P < 0.001). Also, the sleep-disordered breathing subscale accounted for significant variance in the child self-reported school functioning scale (R(2) = 0.18, P = 0.03). Clinically significant sleep problems were more common among children with low total HRQOL. In conclusion, sleep problems were common in this cohort of pediatric LTRs and predicted significant variance in HRQOL. Prospective larger scale studies are needed to assess factors that contribute to sleep difficulties and low HRQOL in this population. The detection and treatment of significant sleep problems may benefit the HRQOL of pediatric LTRs.

Factors related to fatigue in patients with cirrhosis before and after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We performed a prospective study to evaluate fatigue and identify potential determinants among patients with cirrhosis. We also studied the effects of liver transplantation on fatigue in these patients.

METHODS

A total of 108 patients with cirrhosis being evaluated before liver transplantation completed the fatigue impact scale (FIS), the hospital anxiety and depression (HAD) scale, and the short-form 36 (SF-36). Results were compared with controls from the general population. Fasting serum levels of insulin and glucose were measured in all patients. Levels of serum thyrotropin, free T(3) and T(4), cortisol, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, estradiol, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured in a subgroup of 80 patients. Transplant recipients were followed for 1 year.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, patients with cirrhosis had more pronounced fatigue, on the basis of higher FIS domain and total scores (P < .05), which were related to all SF-36 domains (r = -0.44 to -0.77, P < .001). All FIS scores improved significantly after liver transplantation, although physical fatigue levels remained higher than in controls (P < .05). In multivariate analysis, pretransplant FIS scores were only related to depression, anxiety, cirrhosis severity, and low serum levels of cortisol (P < .05 for all). Impaired renal function and anemia were independent predictors of physical fatigue (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue is common among patients with cirrhosis and associated with impaired quality of life. Psychological distress, severity of cirrhosis, and low levels of cortisol determine general fatigue, whereas anemia and impaired renal function also contribute to physical fatigue. Physical fatigue remains of concern for patients who have received liver transplants for cirrhosis.

Resumption of valued activities in the first year post liver transplant

ABSTRACT Current practice in education of transplant recipients includes general guidelines about return to involvement in life activities emphasizing medical precautions during wound healing and avoidance of activities that present risk of infection or rejection. This approach assumes patients gradually resume pre-transplant involvement in life activities: an assumption that has not been tested. Using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, this cross-sectional descriptive pilot study (n = 20) explored differences in the performance of activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, leisure, and productivity at three time periods within the first year. Results showed basic daily tasks are stable by the third month but some instrumental tasks declined by the end of the first year post transplant. Results indicated that there were significant differences in the Short Form-36 mental component score of the group performing "worse than expected" suggesting that preparation of recipients is needed to enable them to set realistic expectations. Results indicate the need for a longitudinal study of the resumption patterns of life activities for realistic expectations of recovery and guidelines for the treatment team.

Liver-brain inflammation axis

It is becoming increasingly evident that peripheral organ-centered inflammatory diseases, including chronic inflammatory liver diseases, are associated with changes in central neural transmission that result in alterations in behavior. These behavioral changes include sickness behaviors, such as fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances. While such behaviors have a significant impact on quality of life, the changes within the brain and the communication pathways between the liver and the brain that give rise to changes in central neural activity are not fully understood. Traditionally, neural and humoral communication pathways have been described, with the three cytokines TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6 receiving the most attention in mediating communication between the periphery and the brain, in the setting of peripheral inflammation. However, more recently, we described an immune-mediated communication pathway in experimentally induced liver inflammation whereby, in response to activation of resident immune cells in the brain (i.e., the microglia), peripheral circulating monocytes transmigrate into the brain, leading to development of sickness behaviors. These signaling pathways drive changes in behavior by altering central neurotransmitter systems. Specifically, changes in serotonergic and corticotropin-releasing hormone neurotransmission have been demonstrated and implicated in liver inflammation-associated sickness behaviors. Understanding how the liver communicates with the brain in the setting of chronic inflammatory liver diseases will help delineate novel therapeutic targets that can reduce the burden of symptoms in patients with liver disease.

Management of pulmonary complications in pretransplant patients

This article addresses the most common pulmonary issues that affect liver transplant candidates. Pretransplant diagnostic criteria of these pulmonary problems in liver transplant patients are reviewed. Successful pulmonary management schemes and caveats are described. Risks for liver transplant are emphasized.

Occupational therapy services to enable liver patients to thrive following transplantation

ABSTRACT Transplantation is the only viable treatment for end-stage liver failure. With advances in biomedicine and surgical technique, survival rates have improved and current research is beginning to focus on patient-related outcomes such as of quality of life (QOL) and life satisfaction. However, attention to the rehabilitation needs of those patients whose lives are saved, is lagging. Pretransplantation, there are serious strains to role function and limitations to mental and physical capacity. Following transplantation, the ability to perform once easy familiar tasks is difficult for a prolonged recovery period. Within a year many people do well, others do not. Little has been done for this latter group. The purpose of this article is to systematically describe the contributions occupational therapy can make to the people struggling with the challenges faced during the transplantation process. The first part presents a framework for understanding the impact of end-stage liver disease, then the transplant, and the subsequent recovery through the combination of two frameworks: the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) and the Model of Human Occupation. The second part of this article will present the implications for occupational therapists throughout seven stages: (1) decline in health, (2) organ failure, (3) referral for transplantation, (4) the waiting period, (5) the transplant surgery, (6) recovery, and (7) return of health. Attention to the needs of transplant recipients who lack the adaptive skills to resume productive lifestyles has the capacity to improve participation outcomes for this population.

Development of a disease-specific questionnaire to measure health-related quality of life in liver transplant recipients

Currently, no disease-targeted instrument is available for measuring health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in liver transplant recipients. We developed and tested a post-liver transplant quality of life (pLTQ) instrument. Item selection for the pLTQ instrument was based on responses from liver transplant recipients, 12 liver experts, and a literature search. Impact scores were generated, and a factor analysis was conducted to organize the items into domains. Questions were constructed for each item, and redundant questions were removed. The pLTQ instrument was initially administered to 196 liver transplant patients and then was again administered to 77 patients 6 to 9 months later with a generic HRQOL survey [Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36)]. Analysis of variance was used to compare the scores of patients at different times since transplantation and with various indications for transplantation. After redundancies were eliminated, the pLTQ instrument included 32 items in 8 domains: Emotional Function, Worry, Medications, Physical Function, Healthcare, Graft Rejection Concern, Financial, and Pain. We found stable pLTQ instrument and SF-36 instrument scores over time. Data 6 to 9 months after the initial assessment indicated stable quality of life outcomes. The pLTQ instrument is applicable to a variety of liver transplant recipients. The questionnaire was tested with a cross-sectional and longitudinal approach.

Reduction in functional ability is significant postliver transplantation compared with matched liver disease and community dwelling controls

We compared functional ability and symptom severity in liver transplant recipients and matched chronic liver disease (CLD) and community controls. A total of 103/140 consecutive liver transplant recipients from a single centre (73%) and matched controls completed the patient-reported functional outcome measure: Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, Health Assessment Questionnaire (PROMIS HAQ). Symptoms frequently seen in CLD were quantified by (i) Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), (ii) Orthostatic Grading Scale (OGS: autonomic dysfunction), (iii) Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) and (iv) Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS: Daytime somnolence). Liver transplant recipients exhibited significant reduction in function (P<0.0001) across all domains of the PROMIS HAQ suggesting that functional impairment is broad-based. Seventy-seven per cent of all postliver transplants identified some difficulty with activities of daily living. There was no relationship between PROMIS HAQ and liver biochemistry (r²=0.04, P=NS) or time since transplant (r² =0.1, P=NS). Elevation in PROMIS HAQ (and therefore functional impairment) strongly associated with symptoms, particularly fatigue, cognitive impairment and daytime somnolence. Fatigue severity was independently associated with functional impairment (FIS) (Beta 0.727, P < 0.0001). Symptoms or functional ability was not different between liver transplant recipients and matched chronic liver disease controls. Although survival postliver transplantation is improving, our cross-sectional study suggests that functional ability may not improve postliver transplantation. Further study is warranted to address the mechanisms responsible for post-transplant functional impairment and to develop effective rehabilitation regimes to maximize function following liver transplantation.