Quality Matters - Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation versus Transfusion and Chelation in Thalassemia Major.

OBJECTIVE: To compare quality of life of children with thalassemia major who have undergone stem cell transplantation with those on regular transfusion.

METHODS: The study included 40 children who underwent transplantation and 40 children and 20 adults on regular transfusion and iron chelation therapy. The quality of life assessment was done using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scale.

RESULTS: The mean total summary score, psychosocial summary score and physical score was 92, 91 and 92.8, respectively in transplant group and 83, 82.7 and 83.6, respectively in children in transfusion group. The adult group on transfusion showed overall poorer scores of 74.9, 76 and 73.9, respectively. The average scores in all domains were significantly (P<0.05) lower and drop steeply in second decade in transfusion group.

CONCLUSIONS: Allogeneic stem cell transplantation improves quality of life in thalassemia major.