Seizures in children undergoing stem cell transplantation

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Neurology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Neurological complications (NCs) are a major concern following hematological stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
• Seizures are a common presentation of NCs in patients undergoing HSCT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the incidence and etiologies of seizures in children undergoing HSCT.
• To identify risk factors and outcomes associated with seizures post-HSCT.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 155 children undergoing HSCT between 2002 and 2018.
• Analysis of seizure incidence, causes, associated factors, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• 17.4% of children developed seizures within 2 years post-HSCT.
• Common etiologies included CNS infection, drug toxicity, and vascular disease.
• Seizures were associated with HSCT type, specific medications, and GVHD, and predicted adverse outcomes including mortality and sequelae.

Conclusions:

• Neurological complications, especially seizures, significantly impact survival and outcomes in HSCT patients.
• Addressing neurological complications is essential for improving HSCT procedures and patient management.