Health-related quality of life following hematopoietic stem cell transplant during childhood

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the self-reported and parent-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children (age<19 years) who received a hematopoietic (bone marrow, cord blood, or peripheral blood) stem cell transplant (SCT) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). A total of 35 families participated: 31 SCT recipients, 35 mothers, and 28 fathers. Mean scores were 73.6 child, 71.2 mothers, and 76.2 fathers (range of 0-100, with high scores indicating better HRQoL). No significant overall HRQoL difference between parent and child were reported. Mothers reported significantly lower physical functioning (F2,23=3.509, P=.041) compared to child (P=.041) and fathers (P=.025). Older age at time of transplant was associated with higher procedural anxiety according to child (r=.498, P=.005) and mothers (r=.466, P=.008). Older age at time of transplant was associated with less worry according to fathers (r=-.589, P=.002). Overall, SCT recipients and their parents report moderately high HRQoL.