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Predictors of health-related quality of life in patients treated with auto- and allo-SCT for hematological malignancies

Bone Marrow Transplantation volume 47, pages 757–769 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

Identifying factors that predict health-related quality of life (QOL) following hematopoietic SCT, is important in estimating patients’ abilities to adjust to the consequences of their disease and treatment. As the studies that have been published on this subject are scattered, the present study aimed to systematically review prognostic factors for health-related QOL after auto- and allo-SCT in hematological malignancies. A systematic, computerized search in Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library was conducted from 2002 to June 2010. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using an adaptation of Hayden's criteria list. Qualitative data synthesis was performed to determine the strength of the scientific evidence. In all, 35 studies fulfilled the selection criteria. Strong–moderate evidence was found for GVHD, conditioning regimen, being female, younger age, receiving less social support and pre-transplant psychological distress as predictors of various aspects of health-related QOL following hematopoietic SCT. The results of this review may help transplant teams in selecting patients at risk for experiencing a diminished health-related QOL following hematopoietic SCT. Follow-up treatment can be provided in order to promote QOL.

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Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the help of Marijke Mol in the development of our search strategy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry and EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    A M J Braamse, M M J G Gerrits, P van Oppen, A D Boenink, A T F Beekman & J Dekker

  2. INHolland University of Applied Sciences, Research Group Mental Health Nursing, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    B van Meijel

  3. Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    O Visser & P C Huijgens

  4. Department of Clinical Psychology, FPP, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    P Cuijpers

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  1. A M J Braamse
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Braamse, A., Gerrits, M., van Meijel, B. et al. Predictors of health-related quality of life in patients treated with auto- and allo-SCT for hematological malignancies. Bone Marrow Transplant 47, 757–769 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/bmt.2011.130

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