Symptom prevalence and physiologic biomarkers among adolescents using a mobile phone intervention following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
To examine symptom reports and physiologic parameters in adolescents using the Eating After Transplant (EAT!) intervention during recovery after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).


METHODS
Repeated measures design.


METHODS
HSCT service at a pediatric teaching institution in the southern United States.


METHODS
16 adolescents recovering from a first-time allogeneic HSCT.


METHODS
Use of EAT! was monitored electronically, symptom reports were obtained from a questionnaire, and physiologic parameters were obtained from the medical record at HSCT hospital discharge and 20, 40, and 60 days postdischarge.


METHODS
EAT! use, symptom prevalence, symptom-related distress, and physiologic parameters including weight, body mass index (BMI), pre-albumin, and albumin.


RESULTS
Symptom prevalence was highest at hospital discharge and steadily declined; however, mean symptom distress scores remained stable. Mean weight and BMI significantly declined during the first 60 days postdischarge; pre-albumin and albumin markers were unchanged. No correlation was noted among use of EAT! and any research variables.


CONCLUSIONS
The most frequent symptoms were not always the most distressing symptoms. Weight and BMI significantly declined during HSCT recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses should assess symptom frequency and distress to fully understand patients' symptom experiences. Nurses should monitor weight and BMI throughout HSCT recovery.
School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC.
Cheryl C
CC
Rodgers
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
Robert
R
Krance
Department of Communication, Texas A&M University in College Station.
Richard L
RL
Street
School of Nursing, Duke University.
Marilyn J
MJ
Hockenberry
D000293:Adolescent; D000418:Albumins / Q000032:analysis*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D040421:Cell Phone; D002648:Child; D057286:Electronic Health Records; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000628:therapy*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010371:Pediatric Nursing; D013781:Texas
D000418:Albumins; D015415:Biomarkers
pediatric oncology; quantitative nursing research; stem cell/marrow trans-plantation