Cardiac Considerations in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) for Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: A Review.

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially curative treatment option for several malignant and non-malignant hematologic disorders, including transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT). However, HSCT is associated with short-term and long-term complications. One of the recognized causes of morbidity and mortality in TDT patients is heart-related complications. Additionally, cardiac involvement is likely to be more common in patients proceeding to HSCT. Thus, the risks of cardiac complications should be carefully weighed against the benefits of the primary disease cure. This review attempted to discuss the cardiac considerations in TDT patients undergoing HSCT.