An analysis of long-term survivors of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has identified clinical risk factors for post-transplant depression and fatigue. Researchers analyzed health and quality-of-life survey responses of 1,869 transplant recipients (mean age, 56 years) who were a mean of 13 years (allogeneic) and 6 years (autologous) post-transplant. Moderate to severe depression was reported by 13% of participants, and moderate to severe fatigue was reported by 42%. Among allogeneic recipients, female sex, younger age, current presence of chronic pain, and current patient-reported severity of chronic GVHD were found to be independently associated with greater depression; whereas female sex, current presence of chronic pain, and current severity of chronic GVHD were independently associated with greater fatigue (p values <0.01). The researchers conclude that better screening, referral, and interventions are needed.
Risk Factors Identified for Post-HCT Depression, Fatigue
Feb 2016