Long-term consequences of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

The aim of this large-scale, single-center study was to assess the long-term health outcomes of survivors of pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A total of 228 children and adolescents were included in the study. The researchers were particularly interested in the incidence of endocrinopathies, fertility, growth, bone and metabolic status, as well as subsequent malignancies. Gonadotoxicity was more frequent in girls than in boys. Total body irradiation conditioning was more toxic than chemotherapy alone. Preservation of gonadal function was associated with younger age at transplantation. Among sexually active women, 22% reported spontaneous pregnancies. Metabolic disorders included arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, underweight or overweight.