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Asthma as a consequence of bone marrow transplantation
Heather Rietz1, Alan L Plummer, Anthony A Gal
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Chest
|July 13, 2002
Summary
Asthma can rarely develop after bone marrow transplantation, even without prior allergy history. Donor asthma history may be a risk factor for post-transplant asthma in recipients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Hematology
Background:
- Organ transplantation, including bone marrow transplantation (BMT), can be complicated by immune-related conditions.
- Atopy, allergy, and asthma are known potential complications, though rare.
Observation:
- Two patients developed new-onset asthma post-BMT.
- Neither patient had a prior history of atopy, allergy, or asthma.
- Both patients' donors were human leukocyte antigen-identical siblings with a history of asthma.
Findings:
- Pulmonary function tests indicated decreased airflow in both patients.
- Bronchial biopsy analysis revealed eosinophilia and histological features consistent with asthma.
- No infectious causes were identified for the pulmonary symptoms.
Implications:
- Asthma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary issues following BMT.
- Donor history of asthma may be a relevant factor in recipient post-transplant complications.
- This highlights a potential, albeit rare, donor-to-recipient transmission of atopic predisposition.