Normative Values for Transplant Health-Related Quality of Life
Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Center for Lung Science and Health Medical Director, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Transplant Information Services, Fairview Health Services, Minneapolis, MN
Meeting: 2013 American Transplant Congress
Abstract number: D1765
Background. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) evaluates health from the view point of the individual and preferences the “quality of live versus the quantity of life.” The study provides transplant-specific norms for HRQoL and evidence for the validity of these measures.
Methods. Over the past 12 years, the University of Minnesota has monitored HRQoL for recipients using the 12-Item Short Form (SF-12) Health Survey. Using norm-based scoring, Physical (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scale scores are reported against the standard United States population. The predictive validity for mortality at 5 and 10 years after transplant were evaluated using Cox models.
Results. Responses to 1012 health surveys reflect 70.4% completion rate among eligible recipients pretransplant, 1-year and 3-years post-transplant. Results show stable MCS scale scores pretransplant and post-transplant for all transplant types. At 3-years, MCS scale scores for all transplant types were similar to United States population norms.
For all transplant types, PCS was below the United States population norms. Pretransplant physical health was nearly 2 SD lower for liver, lung and heart transplants, whereas kidney, pancreas and SPKs less than 1 SD lower. Physical health improved for all transplant types following transplant especially for lung, heart, liver and SPK (p value < 0.001).
A SD increase in PCS and MCS was found to decrease the risk in mortality at 5 years by 33% (relative risk [RR] = 0.67) and 30% respectively (RR = 0.70). A weaker association was observed for mortality at 10 years with risk reduced by 30% (RR = 0.70) and 16% (RR = 0.84) respectively. The adjusted risk mortality at 5-years and 10-years was statistically higher for lung transplant recipients (RR = 5.28 and RR = 3.62 respectively).
Conclusions. Normative data are necessary for measurment standardization. This study provides HRQoL normative data for transplantation. In addition to monitoring the trajectory of physical and mental health changes, these results suggest useful risk indicators in transplant populations.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Radosevich D, McHugh L, Doan H, Bailey R, Cordner G, Kathryn L, Hertz M, Matas A, Lake J, Kandaswamy R, Colvin-Adams M, Pruett T. Normative Values for Transplant Health-Related Quality of Life [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2013; 13 (suppl 5). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/normative-values-for-transplant-health-related-quality-of-life/. Accessed May 17, 2025.« Back to 2013 American Transplant Congress