Korean J Pediatr.  2004 Sep;47(9):978-985.

Neurologic Complications after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Children

• Jeong MY
• Cho YK
• Kim SY
• Kim YO
• Kim CJ
• Kook H
• Woo YJ
• Hwang TJ

Abstract

PURPOSE
Neurologic complications(NC) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT) are important because of high mortality and severe sequelae. We analyzed the incidence, manifestation and risk factors of NC in 61 children undergoing HSCT. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed NC in 61 cases(42 male and 19 female, aged one to 16 years) given HSCT between 1996 and 2003 due to hematologic malignacies, solid tumors, or other hematologic diseases. RESULTS: NC were seen in 22 children(36.0%). Herpes zoster was the most frequent one(n=17, 27.9 %), followed by seizure(n=8, 13.1%), CNS infection(n=3, 4.9%), cyclosporin toxicity(n=3, 4.9%), CVA (n=2, 3.3%), and chemotherapy injury(n=1, 1.6%). Among the 22 cases, 12 developed herpes zoster only and 10 developed other NC in addition to herpes zoster. Two patients died of NC. The incidence of NC was not affected by various factors, including type and source of HSCT or previous cranial radiation. CONCLUSION: NC were frequent in children who underwent HSCT. We should acknowlege the occurrence of various NC after HSCT. Further study is needed to develop measures to minimize these complications.

Keyword

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Child; Neurologic manifestations

MeSH Terms

Child
Male
Female
Humans
Incidence
Mortality
Risk Factors