Background: Although current national data show improved graft and patient survival following lung transplant, the effects of several modifiable preexisting comorbid conditions on health-related quality of life after transplant have not been evaluated. This study examines the effects of 3 comorbid conditions present before lung transplant (reduced bone density, diabetes mellitus, and elevated body mass index) on health-related quality of life after lung transplant.
Methods: The Short Form 36 Health Survey was completed by 92 adult recipients at various times after lung transplant (mean, 41 months; range, 1-127 months). Multiple linear regression models that controlled for underlying disease, chronic rejection, and time after transplant tested the independent effects of the 3 pretransplant conditions on posttransplant health-related quality of life.
Results: The effects of pretransplant reduced bone density and diabetes mellitus were not statistically significant in these models. However, pretransplant body mass index had a significant negative effect (β = -.29, P = .007) on posttransplant physical health-related quality of life. Additionally, overweight status and obesity exerted comparable independent negative effects (P = .01 and P = .03, respectively) on the physical function scale of the Short-Form 36 Health Survey compared with persons who were underweight or normal weight before transplant.
Conclusions: Reevaluation of elevated body mass index before transplant as a risk for reduced physical quality of life after lung transplant should be considered.