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

Bone Marrow Transplant. 2008 Sep;42(5):319-27. doi: 10.1038/bmt.2008.165. Epub 2008 Jun 16.

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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Quality of Life*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • Thalassemia / therapy*
  • Transplantation, Homologous