[Lung function changes after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation].

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Hematology
• Transplantation Medicine

Background:

• Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a critical treatment for various pediatric conditions.
• Pulmonary complications are a significant concern following HSCT in children.
• Understanding lung function changes post-HSCT is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate lung function abnormalities in children after HSCT.
• To compare pulmonary outcomes between autologous and allogenic HSCT.
• To assess the temporal pattern of lung function recovery post-transplantation.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study including 93 children undergoing HSCT (47 autologous, 46 allogenic).
• Lung function tests (FEV1, FEV1/FVC, TLC, DLCO) performed pre-HSCT and at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months post-HSCT.
• Paired Student's t-test used for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in FEV1/FVC, TLC, and DLCO observed at 2 months post-HSCT compared to baseline.
• Lung function showed gradual improvement from 6 months but did not fully recover by 24 months.
• No major differences in lung function between autologous and allogenic HSCT, except for lower FEV1/FVC in allogenic at 6 months.

Conclusions:

• A substantial proportion of children develop early pulmonary abnormalities after HSCT.
• Pulmonary function demonstrates partial recovery by 24 months post-transplantation.
• Close monitoring of lung function is essential for pediatric HSCT recipients.