All issues > Volume 50(7); 2007

Review Article

Korean J Pediatr. 2007;50(7):613-621. Published online July 15, 2007.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation : overview for general pediatrician

Tai Ju TJ Hwang¹

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

Correspondence Tai Ju TJ Hwang ,Email: tjhwang@jnu.ac.kr

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has expanded and evolved substantially in the last decades to treat various malignant and nonmalignant diseases. However, the conditioning regimen can lead to transplantation related death by major organ dysfunction, severe infection and bleeding. In the allogeneic setting, graft versus host disease may also develop, making post-transplant management complex. To overcome these problems, new stem cell sources, stem cell mobilizing agents and new skills, nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation including reduced intensity stem cell transplantation has been introduced in clinical practice, but problems remained so far. Recipients of stem cell transplant may be severely immunocompromised for many months after transplantation. Furthermore, long- term complications (endocrine, metabolic, relapse, second malignancies, etc) can develop. Pediatrician is open called on to participate in the evaluation and consideration of patients for possible transplant and long-term follow-up of HSCT patients. This review is intended as a basic overview of HSCT relevant to general pediatrician.

Keywords :Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, General pediatrician