Mortality and medical morbidity beyond 2 years after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: experience at a single institution

Abstract

Long-term follow-up data on patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in our institution between 1990 and 2007 were evaluated for mortality and morbidity beyond 2 years post-transplantation. Follow-up data were obtained annually from medical records or by mail to the relevant hospitals, or to the patients themselves. In total, 369 patients survived more than 2 years, but 72 patients died thereafter. Relapse was the most common cause of death, followed by pulmonary complications and infections. Second malignancy was the cause of death in seven patients. Chronic kidney disease was one of the most serious complications, and seven patients needed regular dialysis or kidney transplantation. Hypertension and diabetes were reported in 19 and 11.2% patients, respectively. Second malignancies were observed in 14 patients beyond 2 years after transplantation, and the oral mucosa, tongue, esophagus and colon were the main organs involved. We recommend that physicians caring for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients should at a minimum examine kidney function and gastrointestinal tract for secondary malignancy, in addition to hematological status. Such information will be useful for optimizing outcomes through the detection and prevention of complications.