Bleeding complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Semin Hematol. 2004 Jan;41(1 Suppl 1):93-100. doi: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2003.11.018.

Abstract

Hemostatic disturbances are common in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), in which the donor's T lymphocytes mount an immune response against the recipient's cells, is a life-threatening condition that correlates strongly with the incidence and severity of bleeding episodes, highlighting the complex interaction between the hemostatic and immunological systems. Patients with GvHD of the gut also exhibit a deficiency of factor XIII (FXIII), further increasing the hemorrhagic risk. Among other risk factors for bleeding complications is use of the purified polyclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG), antithymocyte globulin (ATG). Although frequently used in preparative conditioning regimens, ATG may contribute to leukopenia, platelet reduction, and signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This paper will examine the cause and incidence of bleeding complications in patients undergoing HSCT, the potential contribution of GvHD and ATG to such bleeds, and the close interaction between the hemostatic and immune systems. The role of recombinant FVIIa as a hemostatic agent for the treatment of HSCT-associated hemorrhage will be briefly explored.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antilymphocyte Serum / adverse effects
  • Antilymphocyte Serum / therapeutic use
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Factor VII / therapeutic use
  • Factor VIIa
  • Factor XIII Deficiency / drug therapy
  • Factor XIII Deficiency / etiology
  • Female
  • Graft vs Host Disease / complications*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / drug therapy
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / therapy
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / mortality
  • Hemorrhage / drug therapy*
  • Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / adverse effects
  • Immunoglobulin G / therapeutic use
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Leukopenia / chemically induced
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / etiology
  • Thrombocytopenia / chemically induced
  • Transplantation Conditioning / adverse effects
  • Transplantation, Autologous / adverse effects
  • Transplantation, Homologous / adverse effects

Substances

  • Antilymphocyte Serum
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Factor VII
  • recombinant FVIIa
  • Factor VIIa