Beyond immune recovery: Quality of life and psychosocial challenges in children with inborn errors of immunity after transplantation

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Aydemir S., Nurhan E., Turan I., Ozturk N. K., Karaaslan B. G., Meric Z., ...Daha Fazla

Irish Journal of Medical Science, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s11845-026-04480-2
  • Dergi Adı: Irish Journal of Medical Science
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Anxiety, Children, Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, Inborn errors of immunity, Quality of life
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Adresli: Evet

Özet

Introduction: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) provides definitive treatment for many inborn errors of immunity (IEI). Although most children achieve full immune reconstitution, long-term psychosocial and quality-of-life outcomes in medically stable survivors remain insufficiently understood. Methods: Children aged 8–18 years with IEI who achieved complete immune recovery and had no chronic complications were included. Quality of life and psychological status were evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL-C) and the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS). Healthy children matched for age, sex, and sociodemographic background served as controls. Results: Thirty-six patients and 41 controls participated. Children post-HSCT had significantly lower physical, psychosocial, and total quality-of-life scores (p = 0.022, 0.015, 0.006) and higher depression scores (p = 0.027). One-quarter of school-aged patients were not attending school, and one-third of families restricted exposure to crowded environments. Conclusion: Despite immune recovery, children remain vulnerable to psychosocial challenges. These findings support incorporation of routine psychological assessment and family counseling into long-term post-HSCT follow‑up.