Complications and patient quality of life after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

Background and Aims: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potential cure for genetic disorders, leukaemia, and lymphoma. Nevertheless, the transplant process is difficult and exposes the patient to significant toxicity, which can lead to early and late transplant complications in both autologous and allogeneic transplants. Thus, the transplant process affects the patients’ physical and psychological quality of life. The study aimed to investigate the quality of life of patients following HSCT and pinpoint the most prevalent complications Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was utilized. The study included 45 adult patients who underwent HSCT in 2023. Data were collected with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Bone Marrow Transplant (FACT-BMT) quality of life instrument (Arabic version). Results: Most patients (73.3%) had autologous transplants, and 26.7% had allogeneic transplants. Refractory disease was the main indication (46.7%) for HSCT. Social/family well-being was the highest-rated domain, and physical well-being was rated the lowest. Having pain and needing to stay in bed were perceived as the most critical problems in the physical well-being domain. Conclusion: This research describes patients’ quality of life after HSCT and the types of complications they experienced. Transplant is a major procedure that requires excellent preparation and follow-up, including input from different specialties to optimize patients’ quality of life. This study assists in identifying patient perspectives on complications, enabling leaders to advance the current system of follow-up.

References

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