Urologic complications of high-dose chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation

This study reviews the incidence and management of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in a group of patients who received high-dose chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation.

The records of 217 consecutive patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation were reviewed. The incidence, degree, and management of hematuria in this group of pancytopenic and immunocompromised patients were recorded.

Despite prophylaxis, cystitis developed in 58 of these 217 patients (27%). In 12 patients (6%) the cystitis was severe. These patients had gross hematuria, clot retention, and drop in hematocrit necessitating blood transfusion. These patients were managed with continuous bladder irrigation, alum irrigation, and when less aggressive approach was unsuccessful, with intravesical formalin instillation. Alum irrigation was used in 5 patients, and was successful in only 1 patient. Six patients required intravesical formalin instillation to control the hematuria. Formalin solution 2-5% was instilled initially. When lower-concentration formalin failed, 5-10% formalin was used progressively.

Patients with bone marrow transplantation in whom severe hemorrhagic cystitis develops should be managed aggressively early. Intravesical formalin appears to be the most effective regimen in controlling profuse, persistent hematuria.