The effect of adherence to immunosuppressant therapy on gastrointestinal complications after liver transplantation

In our study, we examined the relationship between gastrointestinal system problems and adherence to immunosuppressant therapy after liver transplantation. We performed this study as descriptive and cross-sectional research with the participation of liver transplant recipients. In the data collection, we used the Personal Information Form, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, and the Immunosuppressant Therapy Adherence Scale. In the data analysis, we utilized the IBM Statistical Package for Social Science 25.0. In our study, it was discerned that, of all liver transplant recipients (n = 331), 45.9% were aged 45–64 years, 77.3% were male, and 93.4% were married. Besides, 36.9% of liver transplant recipients were utilizing immunosuppressive agents for 1 month – 89 days. Next, it was identified that liver transplant recipients mostly used tacrolimus (67.4%), mycophenolate mofetil (65.6%), and prednisolone (76.7%). It was found that tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, biological agents, and other immunosuppressants were associated with the development of gastrointestinal system problems. The management of gastrointestinal system disorders is extremely importance to ensure that liver transplant recipients can adhere to immunosuppressant therapy. The awareness of liver transplant recipients about gastrointestinal system disorders and complications should be increased and their management should be assisted. •In liver recipients GI symptoms are not known.•Immunosuppressives can cause GI disorders.•We compared GI disorders and immunosuppressive agents.