Rare complications after second hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for thalassemia major

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2012 Jul;34(5):e209-11. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e3182431c3c.

Abstract

We describe an 11-year-old girl with thalassemia major who underwent a second hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from a matched related donor and who subsequently developed posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder complicated by severe ascending paralysis resembling Guillian-Barré syndrome. Six months later she developed a massive pericardial effusion. She received a multimodal treatment for these complications and currently, 18 months after transplantation, she is in a good clinical condition, is transfusion independent, with no evidence of graft-versus-host disease and off all treatment. This case highlights the dilemma surrounding second hematopoietic stem cell transplantations in hemoglobinopathies and the need for a careful, well informed, and collaborative decision-making process by patients, families, and medical professionals.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Transplantation Conditioning
  • beta-Thalassemia / surgery*