Impact of Neurocognitive Dysfunction in a Veteran Population Undergoing First Outpatient Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma

INTRODUCTION Older adults (age > 70 years) with multiple myeloma (MM) are at higher risk of early mortality partly due to age-related factors, including impairments of cognition and function. To date, few studies have investigated the prevalence of neurocognitive impairment prior to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and its impact on post-transplant outcomes. We hypothesize, for patients with MM undergoing first outpatient ASCT, age >70 years or the presence of comorbid neurocognitive dysfunction decreases the time to first unplanned hospitalization occurring within 30 days post ASCT, and increases the overall length of stay (LOS) on the transplant service. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 76 consecutive patients who underwent first ASCT at the Puget Sound Veterans Health Administration, for MM between January 2017 and December 2018. Patients with the following were excluded: amyloidosis, anaplastic plasmacytoma, and POEMS. Comprehensive psychological evaluations performed within 30 days prior to ASCT included: cognitive screening [Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA)], depression [Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)], and anxiety [General Anxiety Disorder- 7 (GAD-7)]. Functional status was assessed by activities of daily living (ADLS) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLS). Data sources for table 1, included the institutional stem cell transplant database, and comprehensive electronic medical record review for each patient. This included vital status as of 7/15/19. Total LOS on the transplant service was measured as the time from arrival until discharge post-engraftment. For eligible patients, all portions of ASCT, including, stem cell collection, conditioning and stem cell infusion were completed as an outpatient. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS version 9.4. Kaplan Meier curves were generated to explore the association of cognitive scores and 1) time until first unplanned hospitalization within 30 days post-ASCT and 2) outpatient LOS on the stem cell transplant service. RESULTS Of the 76 patients undergoing ASCT, median age was 67 (range 40-79), 29% (22/76) were ≥ 70 years old . 67% (51/76) underwent ASCT within 1 year from diagnosis. The majority (73/76) scored ≥ 70 on a provider-assessed Karnofsky performance scale. Of those with MOCA scores available (n=64), impairments in cognition ranged from suspected mild cognitive impairment (MOCA 20-25) to probable cognitive impairment (MO