Evaluation of the neurobehavioral functioning of patients before, during, and after bone marrow transplantation

To evaluate the cognitive and emotional functioning of patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in the protected environment (PE).

Patients were given tests of cognition and mood before their hospitalization in the PE, after 2 weeks, at discharge, and at 8 months post-BMT. Locus of control, degree of social support, previous biotherapy, and on-treatment psychiatric consultation were also analyzed.

Before BMT, 20% of patients had mild cognitive dysfunction, and nearly 40% had significant anxiety. Although few patients developed problems with cognition or mood during the study, short-term memory deficits nearly doubled at follow-up compared with baseline. Anxiety decreased significantly during hospitalization and remained low at follow-up. In contrast, depression increased throughout hospitalization, but decreased at follow-up. Pre-BMT emotional status and cognitive functioning were highly related to long-term outcome. Type of BMT, locus of control, and degree of social support were related to psychologic distress and cognitive functioning, both during and after BMT. Patient age was not a predictor of neurobehavioral symptoms during or after BMT.

Pretransplant emotional and cognitive functioning are important determinants of long-term outcome and quality of life (QOL) in BMT patients. In addition, a few patients undergoing BMT develop short-term memory difficulties and mood disturbance that may persist. Pretransplant identification of patients at risk for neurobehavioral difficulties may guide early interventions during hospitalization. Posttransplant assessment may then be used to develop rehabilitation programs and other interventions for individuals with persisting complaints.