Societal Reintegration after Liver Transplantation: Findings in Alcohol-Related and Non-Alcohol-Related Transplant Recipients

Objective: To compare the degree of societal reintegration between alcohol-related and non-alcohol-related liver transplant recipients. Summary Background Data: Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTX) is the treatment of choice for end-stage liver disease of various etiologies. Returning patients to society to lead active and productive lives is a key goal of OLTX. Methods: A questionnaire assessing societal reintegration was administered by phone to 84 alcoholic liver disease (ALD) OLTX recipients (ALDs) and 68 non-ALD OLTX recipients having undergone OLTX at a single-center urban not-for-profit teaching hospital. Sixty-eight non-ALD OLTX recipients, serving as the control group (Controls), were matched to the ALDs by age, sex, and length of follow-up. Participation levels were assessed in the following areas: employment, homemaking, academic study, support of others through financial and/or care-giving efforts, and involvement in social or community groups and activities Results: Seventy-nine percent of ALDs and 81% of Controls were male. Median age was 53 years for ALDs and 54 years for Controls. Median length of follow-up for both groups separately was 52 months. No significant differences were noted between ALDs and Controls in the proportion of employed individuals, homemakers, students, and supporters of others. Controls were significantly more likely than ALDs to be involved in structured social activities and routine volunteer work Conclusions: Alcohol-related and non-alcohol-related OLTX recipients appear to return to society to lead similarly active and productive lives. ALD OLTX recipients appear less likely to be involved in structured social activities and routine volunteer work than non-ALD OLTX recipients.