Immunosuppressive Medication Adherence in Liver Transplant Recipients

Abstract Background Immunosuppressive medication is one of the pivotal factors in the outcome of liver transplant patients. Nonadherence to immunosuppressive therapy is a common problem after transplantation and affects graft and patient survival. This study aimed to assess immunosuppressive medicat...

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Published in:Transplantation proceedings 2016-05, Vol.48 (4), p.1198-1201
Main Authors: Promraj, R, Dumronggittigule, W, Sirivatanauksorn, Y, Ruenrom, A, Tovikkai, C, Limsrichamrern, S, Kositamongkol, P, Mahawithitwong, P, Asavakarn, S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - surgery
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Graft Rejection - prevention & control
Humans
Immunosuppressive Agents - therapeutic use
Liver Cirrhosis - surgery
Liver Neoplasms - surgery
Liver Transplantation
Male
Medication Adherence
Middle Aged
Surgery
Thailand
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Summary:Abstract Background Immunosuppressive medication is one of the pivotal factors in the outcome of liver transplant patients. Nonadherence to immunosuppressive therapy is a common problem after transplantation and affects graft and patient survival. This study aimed to assess immunosuppressive medication adherence in liver transplant recipients. Methods Liver transplant recipients who underwent the Siriraj-Support Medication Adherence in Organ Transplantation (S-SMAOT) program were included in this cross-sectional study. Immunosuppressive medication adherence was assessed with the use of the Immunosuppressive Therapy Adherence Scale (ITAS, which is scored from 0 to 12; very poor to excellence adherence). The correlations between ITAS scores and the clinical profiles of the patients, duration after transplantation, and transplant educational scores post-test were also analyzed. Results From October 2012 to September 2014, a total of 50 liver transplant recipients (86 visits) were enrolled in this study. The ratio of male to female patients was 48:52. The proportions of patients with ITAS scores of 12, 10–11, and 0–9 were 82.6%, 16.3% and 1.2%, respectively. ITAS score was significantly correlated with the duration after transplantation ( P  < .001) and the educational scores ( P  = .009). Conclusions Consistent assessment of patients' immunosuppressive medication adherence is essential to avoid problems of noncompliance and to improve the outcome after liver transplantation. The S-SMAOT program was an effective approach to significantly improve the medication adherence in liver transplant recipients.
ISSN:0041-1345
1873-2623
DOI:10.1016/j.transproceed.2015.12.097