Abstract

AIM/PURPOSE This integrative review addresses whether the presence and timing of advanced care planning (ACP) with or without a palliative care (PC) consultation affect place of death and use of high-intensity medical care at end-of-life (EOL) in adolescent and young adult and adult cancer patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS A literature search was completed in the Scopus and PubMed databases. The search was not restricted by date but was restricted to English language. A total of 1,616 articles were found, and after exclusion of duplicates and irrelevance, 79 articles were available to review. After reviewing inclusion and exclusion criteria, 9 articles related to ACP with HSCT were found, and 4 were eliminated after further review, resulting in 5 viable articles for review related to EOL outcomes. EOL outcomes reviewed were place of death and high-intensity medical care. Factors noted to influence these measures included the presence or absence of ACP, the timing of ACP, and PC consultation. Overall survival also emerged as an EOL outcome affected by ACP. CONCLUSION Although there have been many barriers identified to ACP discussions in the HSCT population, the findings from the integrative literature review support the use of early ACP with patients who have hematologic malignancies undergoing HSCT to address patient EOL goals and reduce healthcare utilization at the EOL. The data also suggest that identification of patients who would most benefit from early engagement in ACP may positively impact outcomes.

Abstract

IMPORTANCE There is a critical gap in the literature regarding the efficacy of occupational therapy interventions for pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) patients. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate that occupational therapy 4-5×/wk during inpatient hospitalization positively affects strength, coordination, and independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) of pediatric patients during HCT. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Inpatient bone marrow transplant unit at a children's hospital. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-two pediatric patients admitted for HCT. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Patients were seen by an occupational therapist as part of an interdisciplinary program. Interventions included play and leisure engagement, upper extremity therapeutic exercises, fine motor activities, and ADL training. Strength, coordination, and daily living skills data were documented prospectively and analyzed retrospectively to compare differences between patients seen by occupational therapy at high versus low frequency. RESULTS For grip strength (dynamometer), fine motor dexterity (the 9-Hole Peg Test), and independence in ADLs (an ADL functional measure and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test Daily Activities), the high-frequency group had a significantly smaller decrease in performance from time of admission at pretransplant (baseline) to peak decline after transplant. Grip strength and ADL scores for the high-frequency group returned to baseline at time of discharge more readily than for the low-frequency group. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Participation in occupational therapy 4-5×/wk had positive effects on strength, coordination, and independence in ADLs for patients undergoing HCT. WHAT THIS ARTICLE ADDS This article provides evidence that occupational therapists are an important part of the interdisciplinary team treating pediatric bone marrow transplant patients. It also demonstrates that occupational therapy interventions delivered at a high frequency can have a positive impact on upper extremity strength and independence in ADLs.

Abstract

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Therefore, management of aGVHD is important for successful transplantation. Mucosal damage and alteration of the gut microbiota after allo-HSCT are key factors in the development of aGVHD. We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the ability of prebiotics, which can alleviate mucosal damage and manipulate the gut microbiota, to mitigate posttransplantation complications, including aGVHD. Resistant starch (RS) and a commercially available prebiotics mixture, GFO, were administered to allo-HSCT recipients from pretransplantation conditioning to day 28 after allo-HSCT. Prebiotic intake mitigated mucosal injury and reduced the incidence of all aGVHD grades combined and of aGVHD grades 2 to 4. The cumulative incidence of skin aGVHD was markedly decreased by prebiotics intake. Furthermore, the gut microbial diversity was well maintained and butyrate-producing bacterial population were preserved by prebiotics intake. In addition, the posttransplantation fecal butyrate concentration was maintained or increased more frequently in the prebiotics group. These observations indicate that prebiotic intake may be an effective strategy for preventing aGVHD in allo-HSCT, thereby improving treatment outcomes and the clinical utility of stem cell transplantation approaches. This study was registered on the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) clinical trials registry (https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm) as #UMIN000027563.

Abstract

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine effectiveness of an individual exercise program by starting before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and continued with home exercise program after discharge up to 100 days after transplantation. METHODS Totally, 50 patients were included in this study, and participants were assigned to two groups as intervention group (IG, n = 25) and control group (CG, n = 25). Participants were assessed at three time points: before HSCT, at the discharge, and at the 100th day after HSCT. Functional exercise capacity, physical functions, muscle strength, cognitive functions, quality of life, fatigue, and emotional status of the individuals were assessed. For IG, aerobic, muscle strengthening, endurance, and stretching exercises were performed through hospitalization, and an individual exercise and walking program was advised as home exercise program after discharge. RESULTS Peripheral muscle strength and quality of life level was higher in IG than CG as a result of inpatient supervised exercise program (p < 0.05). At the 100th day, positive effects of the home exercise program on cardiopulmonary exercise capacity, peripheral muscle strength, quality of life, and fatigue level continued when compared with CG (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION As a result of our study, an exercise program continued up to 100 days after HSCT which is individual and partly supervised by a physiotherapist has positive effects on physical functions, clinical status, fatigue, and quality of life level throughout HSCT. Exercise programs for individuals undergoing HSCT should be performed day by day according to the patients' daily clinical and hematologic status and their performance capacity.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Bloodstream infections (BSI) from oral organisms are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. There are no proven strategies to decrease BSI from oral organisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of daily xylitol wipes in improving oral health, decreasing BSI from oral organisms and modulating the oral microbiome in pediatric HSCT recipients. METHODS This was a single center 1:1 randomized controlled trial in pediatric HSCT recipients older than 2 years. Age matched healthy children were enrolled to compare the oral microbiome. The oral hygiene standard of care (SOC) group continued to receive the standard oral hygiene regimen. The xylitol group received daily oral xylitol wipes (with 0.7gm xylitol) in addition to the SOC. The intervention started from the beginning of the transplant chemotherapy regimen to 28 days following transplantation. The primary outcome was oral health at interval time points, and secondary outcomes included blood stream infections from oral organisms in the first 30 days following transplantation, oral microbiome abundance, and diversity and oral pathogenic organism abundance. RESULTS The study was closed early due to efficacy after an interim analysis of the first 30 HSCT recipients was performed (SOC group (n=16) and xylitol group (n=14)). The xylitol group had a significantly lower rate of gingivitis at days 7, 14, and 28 following transplantation (p=0.031, p=0.0039, p=0.0005); oral plaque at days 7 and 14 following transplantation (p=0.045, p=0.0023); and oral ulcers greater than 10 mm at day 14 (p=0.049) compared to the SOC group. The xylitol group had no BSI from oral organisms compared to SOC group which had four (p=0.04). The xylitol group had significantly lower abundance of potential BSI pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus (p=0.036), Klebsiella pneumoniae (p=0.033), and Streptococcus species (p=0.011) at day following transplantation compared to the SOC group. Healthy children and young adults had significantly increased oral microbiome diversity compared to all HSCT recipients (<0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The addition of xylitol to standard oral care significantly improves oral health, decreases BSI from oral organisms and decreases pathogenic oral organism abundance in pediatric and young adult HSCT recipients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has become the standard treatment for many diseases, but it is an intense and distinctive experience for patients. HSCT-related mortality is present throughout the whole process of transplantation, from pretransplantation to recovery. Long-term rehabilitation and the uncertain risk of death evoke feelings of vulnerability, helplessness, and intense fear. Zimmermann et al. proposed that spiritual well-being is an important dimension of quality of life and that patients at the end stage of life require spiritual support in addition to physical care, psychological care, and social support. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to examine the role of spirituality in the process of HSCT. METHOD A systematic mixed studies review (SMSR) was based on Pluye and Hong's framework to understand the role of spirituality in patients' experiences while undergoing HSCT. We use the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement to report the results of integration. RESULTS Fifteen original qualitative studies, 19 quantitative studies, and one mixed method study were included in the systematic mixed studies review. The evidence from the review revealed the following three themes: the spiritual experiences of HSCT patients, the spiritual coping styles of HSCT patients, and the spiritual need changes brought about by HSCT. DISCUSSION Few medical institutions currently offer spiritual healing, although HSCT patients with different cultural backgrounds may have different spiritual experiences and spiritual coping styles. Psychotherapists or nurses should be considered to provide spiritual care for patients undergoing HSCT, to help patients cope with disease pressures, promote HSCT patients' comfort, and improve their quality of life.

Abstract

This longitudinal study examined feasibility of "Roadmap 1.0," a modular health information application integrated with the electronic medical record, provided to 30 adolescent and young adult (AYA) inpatients 11-24 years of age undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Feasibility was demonstrated: 70% accessed the application. Utilization was highest the first 2 weeks of hospitalization, with the laboratory results module used most. Users' tension and fatigue were higher than nonusers' at baseline, but not hospital discharge or day 100. Results suggest AYAs utilize health information technology in ways consistent with the HSCT trajectory and Roadmap 1.0 addressed informational and psychological needs.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a severe and distressing complication during allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). The antiemetic fosaprepitant has shown favorable results in pediatric and adult patients receiving chemotherapy. Data on fosaprepitant in children and adolescents undergoing alloHSCT are missing. METHODS In this non-interventional observation study, 120 children and adolescents with a median age of 11.8 years undergoing alloHSCT after a moderately or highly emetogenic conditioning (MEC or HEC) were analyzed. They received an antiemetic prophylaxis with granisetron (2 x 40 microg/kg d(-1)) with or without fosaprepitant (4 mg/kg; single dose, max. 1 x 150 mg/kg BW), and were analyzed in the control (CG; n = 60) or fosaprepitant group (FG; n = 60). The efficacy and safety of the two antiemetic prophylaxis regimens were analyzed and compared with respect to the acute (0-24 h) and the delayed (> 24-120 h) CINV phase and > 120-240 h after MEC or HEC administration. RESULTS During MEC, significantly more patients in the CG experienced vomiting during the first 0-24 h (58.6 vs. 25.0%; p = 0.0156) and during > 24-120 h (93.1% vs. 57.1%; p = 0.0020), compared with the FG. Likewise, significantly more vomiting events (269 vs. 136; p < 0.0001) were registered in the CG. During HEC, significantly more patients in the CG experienced vomiting during the first 0-24 h (32.3 vs. 9.4%; p = 0.0319) compared with the FG. Significantly more vomiting events (241 vs. 99; p < 0.0001) were registered in the CG. Laboratory and clinical adverse events were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Antiemetic prophylaxis with fosaprepitant and granisetron was well tolerated, safe, and effective in pediatric patients undergoing alloHSCT. However, larger prospective trials are necessary to evaluate these findings.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the nutritional risk factors in patients eligible for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. METHODS A cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted with patients recruited from an hematology outpatient clinic. Study variables included demographic and clinical data, patient-generated global subjective assessment findings, anthropometric indicators, food intake and oxidative stress levels. The level of significance was set at 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS The sample comprised 72 patients, mean age of 48.93 years (14.5%). Multiple myeloma was the most prevalent condition (51.4%) in this sample. Most patients (55.6%) were overweight according to body mass index and at risk of cardiovascular disease according to waist circumference, conicity index and percentage of body fat. Sarcopenia was associated with risk of cardiovascular disease, hip-to-waist ratio (p=0.021), muscle strength depletion (p<0.001), food intake (p=0.023), reduced functional capacity (p=0.048), self-reported well-nourished status; p=0.044) and inadequate vitamin B6 (p=0.022) and manganese (p=0.026) intake. Elevated oxidative stress, detected in 33.3% of patients in this sample, was not associated with sarcopenia. CONCLUSION Most patients in this sample were overweight and sarcopenic. Lean mass depletion was associated with risk of cardiovascular disease, reduced muscle strength, food intake changes, reduced functional capacity, self-reported well-nourished status and inadequate intake of vitamin B6 and manganese, but not with oxidative stress.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Pain is a serious adverse event which frequently accompanies hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The safety and efficacy of NSAIDS during HSCT is currently unknown. Salsalate is a platelet-sparing NSAID with a favorable toxicity profile compared with other NSAIDS. We report the safety and efficacy of salsalate for different types of pain during SCT. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of SCT recipients empirically treated with salsalate for > 48 h. Pain scores were assessed using the verbal rating scale for pain. A subset analysis of patients who received > 7 days of salsalate during periods of pancytopenia, mucositis, and other end-organ toxicities is included. RESULTS Sixty-four patients, 42 auto- and 22 allografts, were identified. Reason for use: vertebral-related pain (30%), musculoskeletal (30%), and cytokine inflammatory pain syndromes (24%). Median dose 1500 mg/day, number of treatment days = 5, started on day+5 post-HSCT. Pain resolved/improved to pain score < 4 in 76% and stable in 15%. Forty-four patients (28-auto and 16 allografts) received > 7-day salsalate. Median WBC and platelet nadir were < 0.1 and 10,000 cells/ml respectively. EFFICACY pain was improved or eradicated in 64% and stable in 32%. TOXICITY LFT elevation (n = 2), elevated serum creatinine (n = 2), and minor bleed (n = 5-nose, gums, and urine). Salsalate discontinuation (n = 6): ineffective (n = 1), the liver (n = 1), the kidney (n = 1), > 5 platelet transfusions (n = 1), and vomiting (n = 2). There was no treatment related mortality. Salsalate was well tolerated, safe, and beneficial for several different types of pain during HSCT.