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Socioeconomic Status Impact on Chronic GVHD

Biol Blood Marrow Transplant; ePub 2017 Oct 12; Hamilton, et al

Publish date:

Certain socioeconomic factors were linked with improved chronic graft-versus host disease (GVHD) symptom scores in a study involving 421 individuals. However, they had no impact on survival and non-relapse mortality. Participants had chronic GVHD. Investigators looked at the impact income, education, marital status, and work status had on outcomes and non-relapse and overall mortality. Among the results:

  • Higher income, ability to work, and having a partner were linked with better chronic GVHD symptom scores.
  • Higher income, level of education, and ability to work were significantly linked with better quality of life and improved activity.
  • Higher income and ability to return to work were both significantly linked with better chronic GVHD scores.
  • Those unable to return to work experienced worse overall mortality.
  • None of the socioeconomic status indicators were linked with non-relapse mortality.
  • Income, race, and education did not impact survival.

Citation:

Hamilton B, Rybicki L, Arai S, et al. Association of socioeconomic status with chronic graft-versus-host disease outcomes. [Published online ahead of print October 12, 2017]. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. doi:10.1016/j.bbmt.2017.10.009.

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