Quality of life in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia after hematopoietic SCT

Cheuk D. K. L., Mok A. S. P., Lee A. C. W., Chiang A. K. S., Ha S. Y., Lau Y. L., ...More

BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION, vol.42, no.5, pp.319-327, 2008 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 42 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2008
  • Doi Number: 10.1038/bmt.2008.165
  • Journal Name: BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.319-327
  • Keywords: thalassemia, quality of life, SCT, children, BONE-MARROW-TRANSPLANTATION, BETA-THALASSEMIA, IRON OVERLOAD, CHILDREN, DEFEROXAMINE, DEFERASIROX, FAMILIES, THERAPY, IMPACT, CARE
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: No

Abstract

In this cross-sectional study, we compared the quality of life (QOL) in transfusion-dependent thalassemic patients who survived matched sibling hematopoietic SCT (HSCT, n = 24) with patients treated conventionally with transfusion and iron chelation (n = 74). WHOQOL-BREF(HK) and PedsQL questionnaires were administered to patients aged >18 years and 5-12 years, respectively. Patients aged 12-18 years received both questionnaires. WHOQOL-BREF(HK) revealed post transplant patients rated overall health better than those treated conventionally (score 3.67 vs 3.06, P = 0.01). They are less dependent on medical aids (3.87 vs 2.96, P = 0.006), having higher activity level (4.00 vs 3.36, P = 0.026) and better personal relationships (4.13 vs 3.69, P = 0.014). Physical health domain score was better (75.20 vs 63.94, P = 0.007). These differences remained significant after adjustment for comorbidities. PedsQL revealed post transplant patients rated better for running (3.53 vs 2.72, P = 0.001) and sports (3.20 vs 2.64, P = 0.038), even after adjustment for comorbidities, but were less satisfied for school absence to attend hospital (2.53 vs 3.29, P = 0.03). Post transplant patients were significantly more likely to consider marriage (100 vs 75.7%, P = 0.033), but not childbearing (66.7 vs 51.4%, P = 0.28). In conclusion, transplanted thalassemic patients enjoy better QOL, mainly in physical health, compared with conventionally treated patients. This information is important to patients considering HSCT.