Published in:
01-03-2013 | Original Article
Non-Adherence and Graft Failure in Adult Liver Transplant Recipients
Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences | Issue 3/2013
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Background
Non-adherence to medical therapy after liver transplantation is confounded by different methods of measurement.
Aims
(1) To compare the performance of three different methods of measuring non-adherence: (a) biochemical (standard deviation [SD] tacrolimus levels), (b) clinician report, (c) self-report. (2) To identify pre-transplant predictors of post-transplant non-adherence. (3) To evaluate whether SD tacrolimus is an accurate predictor of graft outcomes.
Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, charts of adult recipients of a liver transplant 2003–2009 (sample A, n = 444) were reviewed to determine pre-transplant predictors of non-adherence and clinician report of non-adherence. SD tacrolimus levels were measured between 6 and 18 months post-transplant. A subset of sample A (n = 122) completed a survey on non-adherence. The three methods were compared using linear and logistic regression. Multivariable analysis was used to investigate pre-transplant predictors of non-adherence. In sample B (transplant recipients 1995–2003, n = 544) Cox regression was used to determine the relationship between SD immunosuppressant level and graft failure.
Results
Non-adherence was found in 22–62 % of subjects, with the highest rates indicated by self-report. Clinician report of non-adherence was associated with both self-report and SD tacrolimus. On multivariable analysis, unemployment at time of listing and chart evidence of pre-transplant non-adherence were significant predictors of higher SD of tacrolimus. History of substance abuse and pre-transplant chart evidence of non-adherence were also significant independent predictors of post-transplant chart evidence of non-adherence. Drug variability in the immediate post-transplant setting was independently associated with graft failure over time (hazard ratio 1.005 per unit increase in standard deviation, p = 0.04).
Conclusions
Non-adherence among liver transplant recipients is a common problem associated with increased risk of graft failure. SD tacrolimus can be used to measure non-adherent behavior and perhaps target patients for behavioral interventions.