Safety of rehabilitation interventions for patients with hematologic diseases associated with low blood counts—verification focusing on blood cancer

[Purpose] This study aimed to establish unique criteria for hematologic patients with low blood counts in the borderline region of or below the threshold for discontinuing cancer rehabilitation without meeting the criteria for blood transfusion, and to investigate the physical symptoms and activities of daily living. [Participants and Methods] Among the 251 participants, 128 had blood test results below the discontinuation criteria. They were permitted to engage in rehabilitation interventions by a hematologist based on the new criteria. The remaining 123 patients were classified under the discontinuation group. The Barthel Index scores during admission and discharge were compared between the two groups, in terms of chemotherapy, physical symptoms of nausea, petechial hemorrhage, pyrexia, and diarrhea. [Results] There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the Barthel Index score during admission or discharge. Pyrexia occurred more frequently in patients managed under the new criteria. [Conclusion] Patients with low blood counts that fall between the criteria for discontinuing rehabilitation and receiving blood transfusions can continue undergoing rehabilitation interventions with the permission of their doctors, provided that measures are taken to manage adverse events. This strategy prevents activities of daily living reduction.