Critical care considerations of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

To review the available clinical data on the critical care complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

The MEDLINE database and references from the identified articles related to the critical care in HSCT.

HSCT is an important treatment for a variety of malignant and nonmalignant conditions. The procedure is, however, limited by significant complications that may involve every organ of the body. Up to 40% of HSCT recipients are admitted to the intensive care unit as a result of severe complications related to the transplantation. The outcome of those critically ill patients has been traditionally poor. However, recent advances in the transplantation procedure, diagnostic studies, antimicrobial prophylaxis and therapy, and intensive care unit care have improved the outcome of these patients. The increasing number of HSCTs performed annually, the unique complications that develop in these patients, and the improvement in the intensive care unit outcome make knowledge about the critical care aspect of HSCT an essential part of the current practice of critical care medicine.