Physical function of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients with anxiety during the spread of COVID-19 infection.

Abstract

Objective: Patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) frequently show impairment in physical function. The effects of anxiety about the COVID-１9 infection on physical function have been reported among healthy individuals. Here, we focused on allo-HSCT patients to examine whether the anxiety during the spread of COVID-１9 infection is related to the recovery of physical function in allo-HSCT recipients. Methods: Twenty-five patients who had undergone allo-HSCT at our hospital. Physical function was assessed by 6-min walking distance (6MWD) and anxiety survey was performed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to evaluate anxiety before and １8０ days after transplantation. Participants were dichotomized according to the STAI stage as follows: high anxiety group and non-high anxiety group. We analyzed the relationship between the rate of change of physical function at １8０ days after allo-HSCT and STAI stage. Results: The change rates of 6WMD were significantly poorer in the high anxiety group than those in the non-high anxiety group (93.5±１2.0% vs. １１０.5±１8.0%, p<0.０5). Conclusion: Among after allo-HSCT patients, recovery of physical function was significantly lower in patients with high anxiety during the COVID-１9 pandemic.