Cardiovascular Events in Recipients of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Abstract

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a lifesaving treatment for certain blood cancers, but it may result in other complications. Short-and long-term prognosis after allogeneic stem cell transplantation has significantly improved, and the number of survivors is expected to increase. Despite its success, HSCT remains limited by toxicities in the early and late post-transplantation period. The cancer treatments used before and as part of the HSCT and the body’s immune response to a new graft could contribute to organ toxicity, which may lead to serious complications and even death, especially in the early period after transplant. Some early studies suggest cardiovascular (CV) events may occur frequently after HSCT. However, data on contemporary acute cardiac complications post-allogeneic HSCT are scant, and current data is limited by a lack of enough information about CV and transplant-related risk factors. This thesis comprises four chapters that address these knowledge gaps.