FAMILY FACTORS AFFECTING BONE-MARROW TRANSPLANTATION - A CASE-REPORT

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is the last resort for children with leukemia for whom conventional treatments have failed. The case prese nted herein is one of an adolescent girl whose parents were unable to cope with the extreme challenge of BMT. Couple- and family-related dat a collected prior to the BMT showed this family was at risk. Indeed, t hroughout the ordeal the patient seriously regressed and her parents' reactions appeared to exacerbate her condition. At discharge, when lef t alone, the patient manifested somatic symptoms which required her pa rents to attend to her needs. How family factors may influence BMT out come is discussed.