Comparison of Liver Function, Emotional Status, and Quality of Life of Living Liver Donors in Taiwan

• Quality of life of living liver donor was poor in physical function domain 1 and 2 years after surgery.
• Emotional status of living liver donor, in terms of depression and anxiety, was stable.
• Liver function of living liver donor significantly improved in the first year after surgery.

BackgroundLiving donor liver transplantation may put the donor at risk of physical and psychological impacts. Recovery of physical and psychological function as well as quality of life (QOL) in living liver donors warrants investigation.ObjectivesThis study aims to examine the recovery of liver function, emotional status, and QOL in living liver donors through a comparison with the general population and reference values.MethodsThis descriptive, comparative study included 97 living liver donors who underwent surgery from 2008 to 2012 and were divided into 4 groups according to their postoperative period (1 year [n = 31], 2 years [n = 31], 3 years [n = 21], and 4 years above [n = 14]). Data were collected retrospectively in a medical center in northern Taiwan.ResultsThe mean aspartate aminotransferase level was 20.2–32.1 U/L, the mean alanine aminotransferase level was 14.7–33.5 U/L, and the mean total bilirubin level was 10.8–15.5 μmol/L among the 4 groups. Among donors of the 4 groups, 23.8%–51.6% and 0%–29% were defined as having a mild level of anxiety and depression, respectively. Donors in the 1- and 2-year groups had poorer QOL in the physical function, role physical, vitality, and mental health domains than did the general population of Taiwan (P < .05).ConclusionsLiver function was at normal levels in all 4 groups. The emotional and psychological function of living liver donors should be monitored and health-related QOL should be promoted during the first and second year after liver donation.