Does the presence of anemia have an impact on physical functions in patients treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation?

OpenAlex İngilizce

Purpose: Anemia has been found as an independent factor that may influence physical functions in patients with hematological malignancy. We aimed to determine impact of anemia on physical functions in patients treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Methods: A total of 82 patients treated with HSCT were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of anemia was determined in accordance with the WHO standard. Physical examinations were included fatigue, hand grip and peripheral muscle strength, functional performance, and activities of daily living (ADL). We compared recorded variables between patients with and without anemia. Additionally, impact of transplantation type and duration since HSCT on our results were analyzed. Results: Patients with anemia had significantly poorer quadriceps femoris muscle strength, functional performance, and ADL level than patients without anemia (p=0.025, p=0.001, and p=0.009, respectively). Additionally, the duration since HSCT were adjusted in two groups, there was still significant difference in functional performance and ADL between patients with and without anemia (p˂0.05). Conclusion: The presence of anemia in patient treated with HSCT have negative impact on muscle strength, functional performance, and ADL level. Health care professionals should be aware that patients with anemia may have functional problems.