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Quality of Life

Quality of life assessment in patients undergoing reduced intensity conditioning allogeneic as compared to autologous transplantation: results of a prospective study

Bone Marrow Transplantation volume 34, pages 729–738 (2004)Cite this article

Summary:

The aim was to analyze quality-of-life (QOL) during the first year post transplant in 47 patients undergoing reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) allotransplantation, and to compare these with a similar subgroup of patients receiving autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). We used self-reported questionnaires. Each answer scored from 0 (not at all) to 4 (very much), with higher scores indicating worse functioning. Mean value of physical categories among RIC transplants ranged between 1.23 and 0.77 indicating that patients scored very low for physical symptoms. Patients undergoing ASCT had higher scores in questionnaires performed early after transplant and then gradually improved (P<0.001). Overall, when we compared physical functioning scores, allo-RIC did significantly better (P=0.049). Nevertheless, while allo-RIC scores were significantly better for the first three questionnaires, ASCT patients did better in the last two questionnaires. These findings are in accordance with the toxicities observed in both subgroups which are lower in the RIC group early after transplant. No significant differences were observed between either subgroup for any of the functional, social/ family, psychological distress and satisfaction with doctor/nurse relationship items. We have observed similar QOL among patients undergoing RIC-allo as compared to ASCT although GVHD remains an important ‘event’ in QOL.

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Acknowledgements

To Amelia de León and Inmaculada García-Palomero for their contribution to this study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente, s/n, Salamanca, Spain

    M Díez-Campelo, J A Pérez-Simón, J R González-Porras, M Salinero, M D Caballero, M C Cañizo, E M Ocio & J F San Miguel

  2. Statistic's Department, Faculty of Psychology, Segovia, Spain

    J M García-Cecilia

Authors
  1. M Díez-Campelo
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  2. J A Pérez-Simón
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  3. J R González-Porras
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  4. J M García-Cecilia
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  5. M Salinero
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  6. M D Caballero
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  7. M C Cañizo
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  8. E M Ocio
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  9. J F San Miguel
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M Díez-Campelo.

Appendix A: English version questionnaire

Appendix A: English version questionnaire

FACT-BMT (version 3)

Below is a list of statements that other people with your illness have said are important. By circling one number per line, please indicate how true each statement has been for you during the past 7 days.

Physical well-being (not at all, a little bit, some-what, quite a bit, very much)

1 :

I have a lack of energy.

2 :

I have nausea.

3 :

Because of my physical condition, I have trouble meeting the needs of my family.

4 :

I have pain.

5 :

I am bothered by side-effects of treatment.

6 :

I feel sick.

7 :

I am forced to spend time in bed.

8 :

Looking at the above 7 questions, how much would you say your Physical Well-Being affects your quality of life?

Social/family well-being (not at all, a little bit, some-what, quite a bit, very much)

9 :

I feel distant from my friends.

10 :

I get emotional support from my family.

11 :

I get support from my friends and neighbors.

12 :

My family has accepted my illness.

13 :

Family communication about my illness is poor.

14 :

I feel close to my partner (or the person who is my main support).

15 :

Have you been sexually active during the past year? No/Yes If yes: I am satisfied with my sex life.

16 :

Looking at the above seven questions, how much would you say your life Social/Family Well-Being affects your quality of life?

Relationship with doctor (not at all, a little bit, some-what, quite a bit, very much)

17 :

I have confidence in my doctor(s).

18 :

My doctor is available to answer my questions.

19 :

Looking at the above two questions, how much would you say your Relationship with the Doctor affects your quality of life?

Emotional well-being (not at all, a little bit, some-what, quite a bit, very much)

20 :

I feel sad.

21 :

I am proud of how I'm coping with my illness.

22 :

I am losing hope in the fight against my illness.

23 :

I feel nervous.

24 :

I worry about dying.

25 :

I worry that my condition will get worse.

26 :

Looking at the above six questions, how much would you say your Emotional Well-Being affects your quality of life?

Functional well-being (not at all, a little bit, some-what, quite a bit, very much)

27 :

I am able to work (include work in home).

28 :

My work (include work in home) is fulfilling.

29 :

I am able to enjoy life.

30 :

I have accepted my illness.

31 :

I am sleeping well.

32 :

I am enjoying the things I usually do for fun.

33 :

I am content with the quality of my life right now.

34 :

Looking at the above seven questions, how much would you say your Functional Well-Being affects your quality of life?

Additional concerns (not at all, a little bit, some-what, quite a bit, very much)

35 :

I am concerned about keeping my job (include work in home).

36 :

I feel distant from other people.

37 :

I worry that the transplant will not work.

38 :

The effects of treatment are worse than I had imagined.

39 :

I have a good appetite.

40 :

I like the appearance of my body.

41 :

I am able to get around by myself.

42 :

I get tired easily.

43 :

I am interested in having sex.

44 :

I have concerns about my ability to have children.

45 :

I have confidence in my nurse(s).

46 :

I regret having the bone marrow transplant.

47 :

Looking at the above 12 questions, how much would you say these Additional Concerns affect your quality of life?

Additional items regarding GVHD symptoms:

48 :

Shortness of breath.

49 :

Need of rest.

50 :

Itching.

51 :

Any ocular disturbances.

52 :

Any disturbances in mouth.

53 :

Pain had interfered in my daily activity.

54 :

Fatigue.

55 :

Cough.

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Díez-Campelo, M., Pérez-Simón, J., González-Porras, J. et al. Quality of life assessment in patients undergoing reduced intensity conditioning allogeneic as compared to autologous transplantation: results of a prospective study. Bone Marrow Transplant 34, 729–738 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bmt.1704646

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