All issues > Volume 47(9); 2004

Original Article

Korean J Pediatr. 2004;47(9):978-985. Published online September 15, 2004.

Neurologic Complications after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Children

Moon Young MY Jeong¹, Young Kuk YK Cho¹, So Youn SY Kim¹, Young Ok YO Kim¹, Chan Jong CJ Kim¹, Hoon H Kook¹, Young Jong YJ Woo¹, Tai Ju TJ Hwang¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea

Correspondence Young Jong YJ Woo ,Email: yjwoo@chonnam.ac.kr

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.

Keywords :Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, Child, Neurologic manifestations