Analysis of seizure risk factors after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A 8 case report and literature review

Abstract

The clinical characteristics of patients with seizures after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) were analyzed. A total of 8 cases of seizures after allo-HSCT were investigated. Clinical data of these cases were studied retrospectively. Of 159 cases subjected to allo-HSCT, seizure occurred in 8 cases during 29–760 days after transplantation, median survival time was 46 days, and there were 6 cases of tonic-clonic seizure. The incidence of seizure after matched unrelated HSCT was higher than that after related HSCT (P=0.017). Of 7 cases treated with cyclosporine A (CsA), 4 cases obtained high blood levels of CsA. In addition, hyponatremia was diagnosed in 5 cases. Abnormal electroencephalogram and brain MRI findings were found in some cases. During 20 days after seizure, 2 cases died due to infection and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), respectively. It was suggested that multiple factors are associated with seizures after allo-HSCT. Rapid identification and correction of the causative factors are very important to prevent permanent central nervous system damage and reduce the mortality.

Keywords

hematopoietic stem cell / transplantation / seizure

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