Quality of life in cirrhosis

Abstract

Quality of life is a construct that reflects the positive and negative aspects of one's life, and is expanded upon by health-related quality of life (HRQL), which specifically address the impact of health on patients' well-being. Cirrhosis is the culmination of various pathways that leads into development of advanced hepatic fibrosis with its complications. This paper addresses the impact of cirrhosis on individuals HRQL. In addition, we will define what disease specific and general HRQL instruments aim to measure. We discuss the liver disease specific scales [Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ), Liver Disease Quality of Life 1.0 (LDQOL)] and the most commonly used generic health profile [Short Form 36 Profile (SF-36)]. Furthermore, we examine recent literature which describes how to measure and what is known about quality of life of patients with cirrhosis. This information gives insight to health care providers concerning the impact of disease on patients if treatments are not only to improve health but also function and unexpected treatment outcomes.