title: Symptoms, Cytokines, and Quality of Life in Patients Diagnosed with Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe associations among symptoms, cytokines, and quality of life (QOL) of patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, cross-sectional, cohort.
  
  
  METHODS
  The bone marrow transplantation unit at a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Virginia.
  
  
  METHODS
  24 adults diagnosed with cGVHD.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected for demographic factors, symptoms, and QOL from medical record and validated questionnaires. Serum was analyzed for cytokine levels.
  
  
  METHODS
  cGVHD, symptoms, cytokines, C-reactive protein, and QOL.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants reported multiple, concurrent symptoms. Cytokine levels were higher in participants with symptoms versus those without symptoms. Cytokine interleukin-6 correlated with lack of energy and dry mouth. Negative correlations were noted between QOL and symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings demonstrated multiple concurrent symptoms present in this sample and significant relationships among symptoms, cytokines, and QOL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  cGVHD is a serious condition affecting QOL in many individuals after bone marrow transplantation for many different cancers. Results from this pilot study indicate that patients experience multiple symptoms, including sexual dysfunction, that adversely affect QOL. Better understanding of the interrelated symptoms of cGVHD and the biomarkers associated with these symptoms may lead to targeted symptom management interventions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Adult and Elderly Nursing at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lynch Kelly
authors.affiliation: Department of Adult and Elderly Nursing at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
authors.forename: Debra E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Lyon
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Health Nursing at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
authors.forename: Suzanne A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Ameringer
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Health Nursing at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
authors.forename: Ronald K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Elswick
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D063189:Symptom Assessment; D014768:Virginia
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines
keywords: C-reactive protein; bone marrow transplantation; cancer; chronic graft-versus-host disease; cytokines; inflammation; quality of life; symptoms