Pain is what hurts: an exploration of perception and management of pain in peripheral blood stem cell donors.

Background Pain is a side effect of Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) administration. This prospective study investigates various aspects including pain perception occurring in Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) donors. Materials and Methods Related and unrelated PBSC donors were prospectively studied. Donors recorded pain symptoms during the four-day period of G-CSF administration using the McGill Pain Questionnaire, a Visual Analog Scale and a pain diary. Results There were 208 donors included, 102 (49%) related and 106 (51%) unrelated donors. Ninety-two percent of all reported the occurrence of pain. Moderate or severe pain was reported by 52%. No differences were found between related and unrelated donors. Pain occurred more often in females (p=0.035). Relatively young donors (age 16-30 years) more frequently showed to have pain in comparison to older donors (>50 years) (p=0.006). Musculoskeletal pain was most frequently distributed in the gluteal and lower back region (65-71%). Irrespective of the pain location, pain was most often described as nagging, annoying, however tolerable. Donors experiencing pain most on days of G-CSF administration, most frequently occurring during relaxation or at night. Sleep-mode was often affected. The use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) was sufficient for all but one donor. Conclusion This is the first study to describe different aspects of pain associated with G-CSF administration in donors. Although the observed pain was tolerable, it should never be neglected. Knowledge derived from this study is of use for staff members involved in donor information and care management.