Effects of glucocorticoid treatment on the functional capacity of stem cell transplant recipients entering a rehabilitation program

Abstract

7104 Background: Emerging data strongly supports the concept that stem cell transplant (SCT) recipients derive psychological and physiological benefit from participation in exercise training programs. Many SCT recipients receive glucocorticoids (GC) for prolonged periods, increasing their risk for proximal muscle damage and raising the possibility that SCT recipients on GC may differ from those SCT recipients not receiving GC in terms of their exercise/functional capacity. This becomes an important reconditioning issue because exercise prescription and progression is predicated on initial exercise capacity. Therefore the purpose of this study was to compare the initial functional capacity of outpatient STC recipients receiving GC to STC recipients not receiving GC. Methods: The medical records of 163 successive SCT recipients referred to Rehabilitation Services for reconditioning were retrospectively reviewed for demographic information and measures of exercise/functional capacity (6-min walk test, 50-ft fast walk, and repeated sit-to-stand times) collected at the initial physical therapy visit. Data from SCT recipients on GC (ON) were compared with that of SCT recipients not on GC (OFF) by means of an unpaired t-test (α=0.05). Data are presented as mean + standard deviation. Results: Demographic and functional measures are presented in the following tables. Significant differences between group means are denoted by an asterisk. Conclusions: STC recipients on steroids have comparable endurance capacity to those STC recipients not on steroids, but are less capable of performing lower extremity activities requiring rapid movement and receive rehabilitation services later in the post transplant recovery course. These results suggest rehabilitation strategies are 1) needed for STC patients, 2) should be individualized according to the patient's drug regime, and 3) should be initiated soon after the stem cell transplant. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.