Correlation Between SF-36 and Six-Minute Walk Distance in Liver Donors

Abstract Objective We employed the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) to assess the quality of life (QoL) of donors after living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Methods This longitudinal prospective study had data collection via an interview and test or a mailed survey. Fifty-one liver LDLT donors underwent testing before and after donation using the SF-36 questionnaire and 6MWD. Results The physical component summary (PCS) of the SF-36 declined ( P < .0001) and the mental component summary (MCS) increased significantly ( P = .04) at 1 month after donation. The 6MWD declined significantly at 2 weeks after donation ( P < .0001). After standardization, there was a high correlation between PCS and 6MWD (r2 = 0.766). Conclusions Liver donation had a moderate impact on donor physical status, but enhanced mental status. Similar decreasing trends were observed in 6MWD and PCS. After donation, real physical performance predicted PCS but not MCS.