Prospective follow-up of adult long-term survivors of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

Background and objective: Patients who survive beyond two years after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have an increased risk of long-term complications, which impact on their survival and quality of life. The aim of this study was to design and apply a long-term follow-up protocol to detect unmet needs and treat these complications early.

Patients and method: A prospective study to detect and treat complications and long-term problems within an interdisciplinary functional unit was applied to survivors beyond 2 years of allogeneic HSCT (alloHSCT).

Results: Thirty-six (36%) of the 99 patients included, required intervention in a cardiovascular risk factor by health education or antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs. Nine of 36 (25%) patients required calcium and vitamin D intake. Low inclusion of women in gynaecological neoplasm detection protocols was detected, as well as a low adherence to dental follow-up after alloHSCT.

Conclusion: The follow-up of long-term survivors after alloHSCT in a multidisciplinary unit allowed unmet needs to be detected and controlled, especially in cardiovascular risk, bone metabolism, cancer prevention, and dental control.

Keywords: Allogeneic; Alogénico; Complicaciones; Complications; Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Largos supervivientes; Long-term survivors; Trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos.