Neurologic complications after allogeneic transplantation: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Neurology
• Transplantation Medicine

Background:

• Neurologic adverse events are serious complications following adult allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT).
• These events are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in patients with hematologic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the spectrum, incidence, and survival impact of neurologic complications post allo-HCT.
• To provide essential background information for physicians managing these complex cases.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of MEDLINE, COCHRANE, and EMBASE databases up to March 2019.
• Inclusion of all primary study types, with data extraction and risk of bias assessment by two independent reviewers.
• Analysis of 552 eligible studies involving 57,972 patients.

Main Results:

• Infectious neurologic complications occurred in 2.7% (retrospective) and 3.3% (prospective) of patients.
• Drug-related neurologic events affected 3.4% (retrospective) and 13% (prospective) of patients.
• Neurologic complications were found to have a detrimental impact on patient survival.

Conclusions:

• Neurologic complications represent a wide spectrum of issues with a significant impact on survival after allo-HCT.
• This systematic review consolidates current data, offering critical insights for clinical practice and patient care.