Recovery after allogeneic marrow transplantation: prospective study of predictors of long-term physical and psychosocial functioning

Abstract

No prospective data have documented the physical and psychosocial functioning of patients before and after BMT. In this study 67 allogeneic transplant patients completed standardized self-report measures pre-transplant. Survivors were re-assessed at 90 days (n = 34) and 1 year (n = 31) post-transplant. Telephone interviews established 4-year work history and performance status. Physical function was most impaired at 90 days post-transplant, with a return to pre-transplant levels of functioning by 1 year in most areas. By 2 years post-transplant, 68% of patients had returned to full-time work. Only 9% of 4-year survivors failed to return to full-time occupations. Mean levels of anxiety and depression did not change over the first year. Pre-transplant, 27% of patients reported depression and 41% reported elevated anxiety. Greater emotional distress at 1 year was predicted by pre-transplant family conflict, non-married status and development of less severe chronic GVHD. Impaired physical recovery at 1 year was predicted by more severe chronic GVHD, pre-transplant physical impairment and family conflict. The large majority of long-term survivors returned to full-time employment with normal physical and psychosocial functioning, although recovery took longer than 1 year for approximately 40%. Family relationships were important determinants of physical and emotional recovery.