Association between acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease and bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia in recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplants

International recommendations for screening and preventative practices for long-term survivors of transplantation and cellular therapy: a 2023 update

As hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and cellular therapy expand to new indications and international access improves, the volume of HCT performed annually continues to rise. Parallel improvements in HCT techniques and supportive care entails more patients surviving long-term, creating further emphasis on survivorship needs. Survivors are at risk for developing late complications secondary to pre-, peri- and post-transplant exposures and other underlying risk-factors. Guidelines for screening and preventive practices for HCT survivors were originally published in 2006 and updated in 2012. To review contemporary literature and update the recommendations while considering the changing practice of HCT and cellular therapy, an international group of experts was again convened. This review provides updated pediatric and adult survivorship guidelines for HCT and cellular therapy. The contributory role of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) to the development of late effects is discussed but cGVHD management is not covered in detail. These guidelines emphasize special needs of patients with distinct underlying HCT indications or comorbidities (e.g., hemoglobinopathies, older adults) but do not replace more detailed group, disease, or condition specific guidelines. Although these recommendations should be applicable to the vast majority of HCT recipients, resource constraints may limit their implementation in some settings.

International Recommendations for Screening and Preventative Practices for Long-Term Survivors of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy: A 2023 Update

As hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and cellular therapy expand to new indications and international access improves, the number of HCTs performed annually continues to rise. Parallel improvements in HCT techniques and supportive care entails more patients surviving long term, creating further emphasis on survivorship needs. Survivors are at risk for developing late complications secondary to pretransplantation, peritransplantation, and post-transplantation exposures and other underlying risk factors. Guidelines for screening and preventive practices for HCT survivors were originally published in 2006 and then updated in 2012. An international group of experts was convened to review the contemporary literature and update the recommendations while considering the changing practices of HCT and cellular therapy. This review provides updated pediatric and adult survivorship guidelines for HCT and cellular therapy. The contributory role of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) to the development of late effects is discussed, but cGVHD management is not covered in detail. These guidelines emphasize the special needs of patients with distinct underlying HCT indications or comorbidities (eg, hemoglobinopathies, older adults) but do not replace more detailed group-, disease-, or condition-specific guidelines. Although these recommendations should be applicable to the vast majority of HCT recipients, resource constraints may limit their implementation in some settings.

High-Dose Busulfan-Fludarabine Conditioning and Low Alveolar Volume as Predictors of Pulmonary Complications after Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation in Children

This study was conducted to investigate risk factors and predictors of infectious and noninfectious pulmonary complications (PCs) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the post-transplantation PCs of 240 patients who underwent allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (allo-PBSCT) between 2009 and 2018. Transplantation-related variables, pretransplantation baseline spirometry, body plethysmography, and CO diffusing capacity were analyzed for association with the development of infectious PCs (IPCs) and noninfectious PCs (NIPCs). Compared with the control group, the PC group had statistically significantly lower overall survival (50.6% versus 77.8%; P < .001), higher disease-related mortality (26.6% versus 54.4%; P < .001), and higher nonrelapse mortality (31.6% versus 5.9%; P < .001). A greater number of patients received pretransplantation conditioning with high-dose busulfan (520 mg/m²; Bu 520) and fludarabine (160 mg/m²; Flu 160) in both the IPC and NIPC groups. In the multivariate Cox hazard regression analysis, Bu 520 significantly increased the risk of NIPCs (hazard ratio [HR], 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13 to 3.49; P = .016), and Flu 160 was a predictor of IPCs (HR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.13 to 3.49; P = .016). The Bu 520 + Flu 160 regimen was associated with a statistically significant increase in the risk of NIPC (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.09 to 3.37; P = .023). In a multivariate analysis using pretransplantation baseline lung function, alveolar volume (VA) grades 3 and 4 and lung function score (LFS) VA categories III and IV were associated with increased risk for both IPCs and NIPCs. Our data identify receipt of the high-dose Bu-Flu conditioning regimen as an independent risk factor for NIPCs after allo-PBSCT. Impaired CO diffusing capacity before transplantation, especially VA reduction, contributes to the risk of post-transplantation pulmonary complications, and pretransplantation risk can be estimated by grading the degree of insufficiency of VA and LFS VA.

Noninfectious Pulmonary Complications after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Pulmonary complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are important sources of morbidity and mortality. Improvements in infection-related complications have made noninfectious pulmonary complications an increasingly significant driver of transplantation-related mortality. Broadly, these complications can be characterized as either early or late complications, with idiopathic pneumonia syndrome and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome the most prevalent early and late complications, respectively. Outcomes with historical treatment consisting mainly of corticosteroids are often poor, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of these complications' underlying disease biology to guide the adoption of novel therapies that are being increasingly used in the modern era.

Interstitial lung diseases after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: New pattern of lung chronic graft-versus-host disease?

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) after allogeneic HSCT is the only formally recognized manifestation of lung chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Other lung complications were reported, including interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Whether ILDs belong to the spectrum of lung cGVHD remains unknown. We compared characteristics and specific risk factors for both ILD and BOS. Data collected from consecutive patients diagnosed with ILD or BOS from 1981-2019 were analyzed. The strength of the association between patient characteristics and ILD occurrence was measured via odds ratios estimated from univariable logistic models. Multivariable models allowed us to handle potential confounding variables. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. 238 patients were included: 79 with ILD and 159 with BOS. At diagnosis, FEV1 was lower in patients with BOS compared to patients with ILD, while DLCO was lower in ILD. 84% of ILD patients received systemic corticosteroids, leading to improved CT scans and pulmonary function, whereas most BOS patients were treated by inhaled corticosteroids, with lung-function stabilization. In the multivariable analysis, prior thoracic irradiation and absence of prior treatment with prednisone were associated with ILD. OS was similar, even if hematological relapse was more frequent in the ILD group. Both complications occurred mainly in patients with GVHD history.

Association between early corticosteroid administration and long-term survival in non-infectious pulmonary complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Non-infectious pulmonary complications (NIPCs) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are associated with poor outcomes. It is important to maximize the effectiveness of primary treatment because secondary treatment has not been established. We analyzed data from 393 patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT during a 10-year period. Thirty-seven were diagnosed with NIPCs, which consisted of idiopathic pneumonia syndrome, bronchiolitis obliterans, and interstitial lung disease including cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. Among these, 18 died (Dead group) while 19 remained alive (Alive group) during the study period. The median time between NIPC diagnosis and first administration of ≥ 1 mg/kg/day corticosteroids (prednisolone dose equivalent) was significantly longer in the Dead group than the Alive group, at 9 days versus 4 days (p = 0.01). We further divided these cases into those who received prednisolone within seven days and after 8 days. We found that the ≤ 7 days group were more likely to survive after their NIPC diagnosis compared to the ≥ 8 days group (p = 0.06). Our analysis showed that early initiation of corticosteroid therapy is associated with long-term survival in NIPCs.

Clinical features of non-infectious pulmonary complications after donor lymphocyte infusion in post-transplant patients: The Nagasaki Transplant Group Experience

Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) is a therapeutic modality for relapsed hematological malignancies after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We retrospectively analyzed non-infectious pulmonary complications (non-IPCs) following DLI therapy in 41 post-transplant patients with hematological malignancies, and found that 7 developed post-DLI non-IPCs. The 6-year cumulative incidence of non-IPCs was 18.0%. In these patients, non-IPCs were classified into three subtypes: acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). The median intervals from the last date of DLI to the development of ARDS and BOS were 12 days (range, 12-14) and 9.4 months (range, 2.6-61.8), respectively; the intervals between DLI and the development of NSIP were 3.5 and 24.7 in 2 patients. Regarding the status of GVHD before the diagnosis with ARDS, 2 out of 3 patients showed the progression of acute GVHD following DLI therapy. One out of 2 patients with NSIP and all 3 patients with BO had chronic GVHD symptoms prior to the development of non-IPCs. In our cohort, 1 patient died of the progression of NSIP. In conclusion, the present study showed the clinical features of non-IPCs following DLI, suggesting the importance of careful follow-ups for non-IPCs in post-DLI patients.

Long-Term Health Effects of Curative Therapies on Heart, Lungs, and Kidneys for Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease Compared to Those with Hematologic Malignancies

The goal of curing children and adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) is to maximize benefits and minimize intermediate and long-term adverse outcomes so that individuals can live an average life span with a high quality of life. While greater than 2000 individuals with SCD have been treated with curative therapy, systematic studies have not been performed to evaluate the long-term health effects of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in this population. Individuals with SCD suffer progressive heart, lung, and kidney disease prior to curative therapy. In adults, these sequalae are associated with earlier death. In comparison, individuals who undergo HSCT for cancer are heavily pretreated with chemotherapy, resulting in potential acute and chronic heart, lung, and kidney disease. The long-term health effects on the heart, lung, and kidney for children and adults undergoing HSCT for cancer have been extensively investigated. These studies provide the best available data to extrapolate the possible late health effects after curative therapy for SCD. Future research is needed to evaluate whether HSCT abates, stabilizes, or exacerbates heart, lung, kidney, and other diseases in children and adults with SCD receiving myeloablative and non-myeloablative conditioning regimens for curative therapy.

Case Report: Severe Acute Pulmonary COVID-19 in a Teenager Post Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

Pulmonary severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in children is generally described as mild, and SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunocompromised children are observed as generally mild as well. A small proportion of pediatric patients will become critically ill due to (cardio)respiratory failure and require intensive care treatment. We report the case of a teenager with Hodgkin's lymphoma who acquired SARS-CoV-2 (detected by PCR) on the day of her autologous stem cell transplant and developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, successfully treated with a combination of antivirals, immunomodulation with steroids and biologicals, and ECMO.

Pulmonary Complications After Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant

The number of disorders that benefit from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has increased, causing the overall number of HSCT to increase accordingly. Disorders treated by HSCT include malignancy, benign hematologic disorders, bone marrow failure syndromes, and certain genetic diagnoses. Thus, understanding the complications, diagnostic workup of complications, and subsequent treatments has become increasingly important. One such category of complications includes the pulmonary system. While the overall incidence of pulmonary complications has decreased, the morbidity and mortality of these complications remain high. Therefore, having a clear differential diagnosis and diagnostic workup is imperative. Pulmonary complications can be subdivided by time of onset and whether the complication is infectious or non-infectious. While most infectious complications have clear diagnostic criteria and treatment courses, the non-infectious complications are more varied and not always well understood. This review article discusses pulmonary complications of HSCT recipients and outlines current knowledge, gaps in knowledge, and current treatment of each complication. This article includes some adult studies, as there is a significant paucity of pediatric data.

Pulmonary Complications in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients-A Clinician Primer

Hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) are becoming more widespread as a result of optimization of conditioning regimens and prevention of short-term complications with prophylactic antibiotics and antifungals. However, pulmonary complications post-HSCT remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and are a challenge to clinicians in both diagnosis and treatment. This comprehensive review provides a primer for non-pulmonary healthcare providers, synthesizing the current evidence behind common infectious and non-infectious post-transplant pulmonary complications based on time (peri-engraftment, early post-transplantation, and late post-transplantation). Utilizing the combination of timing of presentation, clinical symptoms, histopathology, and radiographic findings should increase rates of early diagnosis, treatment, and prognostication of these severe illness states.

National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Project on Criteria for Clinical Trials in Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease: IV. The 2020 Highly morbid forms report

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) can be associated with significant morbidity, in part because of nonreversible fibrosis, which impacts physical functioning (eye, skin, lung manifestations) and mortality (lung, gastrointestinal manifestations). Progress in preventing severe morbidity and mortality associated with chronic GVHD is limited by a complex and incompletely understood disease biology and a lack of prognostic biomarkers. Likewise, treatment advances for highly morbid manifestations remain hindered by the absence of effective organ-specific approaches targeting "irreversible" fibrotic sequelae and difficulties in conducting clinical trials in a heterogeneous disease with small patient numbers. The purpose of this document is to identify current gaps, to outline a roadmap of research goals for highly morbid forms of chronic GVHD including advanced skin sclerosis, fasciitis, lung, ocular and gastrointestinal involvement, and to propose strategies for effective trial design. The working group made the following recommendations: (1) Phenotype chronic GVHD clinically and biologically in future cohorts, to describe the incidence, prognostic factors, mechanisms of organ damage, and clinical evolution of highly morbid conditions including long-term effects in children; (2) Conduct longitudinal multicenter studies with common definitions and research sample collections; (3) Develop new approaches for early identification and treatment of highly morbid forms of chronic GVHD, especially biologically targeted treatments, with a special focus on fibrotic changes; and (4) Establish primary endpoints for clinical trials addressing each highly morbid manifestation in relationship to the time point of intervention (early versus late). Alternative endpoints, such as lack of progression and improvement in physical functioning or quality of life, may be suitable for clinical trials in patients with highly morbid manifestations. Finally, new approaches for objective response assessment and exploration of novel trial designs for small populations are required.

Major pulmonary complications following Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: What the pulmonologist needs to know

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is used for treatment of a myriad of both malignant and non-malignant disorders. However, despite many advances over the years which have resulted in improved patient mortality, this subset of patients remains at risk for a variety of post-transplant complications. Pulmonary complications of HSCT are categorized into infectious and non-infectious and occur in up to one-third of patients undergoing HSCT. Infectious etiologies include bacterial, viral and fungal infections, each of which can have significant mortality if not identified and treated early in the course of infection. Advances in the diagnosis and management of infectious complications highlight the importance of non-infectious pulmonary complications related to chemoradiation toxicities, immunosuppressive drugs toxicities, and graft-versus-host disease. This report aims to serve as a guide and clinical update of pulmonary complications following HSCT for the general pulmonologist who may be involved in the care of these patients.

Late Effects After Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in ALL, Long-Term Follow-Up and Transition: A Step Into Adult Life

Haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) can be a curative treatment for children and adolescents with very-high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Improvements in supportive care and transplant techniques have led to increasing numbers of long-term survivors worldwide. However, conditioning regimens as well as transplant-related complications are associated with severe sequelae, impacting patients' quality of life. It is widely recognised that paediatric HSCT survivors must have timely access to life-long care and surveillance in order to prevent, ameliorate and manage all possible adverse late effects of HSCT. This is fundamentally important because it can both prevent ill health and optimise the quality and experience of survival following HSCT. Furthermore, it reduces the impact of preventable chronic illness on already under-resourced health services. In addition to late effects, survivors of paediatric ALL also have to deal with unique challenges associated with transition to adult services. In this review, we: (1) provide an overview of the potential late effects following HSCT for ALL in childhood and adolescence; (2) focus on the unique challenges of transition from paediatric care to adult services; and (3) provide a framework for long-term surveillance and medical care for survivors of paediatric ALL who have undergone HSCT.

Case 281: Thoracic Air Leak Syndrome in a Patient with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Graft-versus-Host Disease

HistoryAn 18-year-old man was diagnosed with precursor B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia and underwent transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells from his human leukocyte antigen-matched sister 1 year prior to admission. He was admitted to evaluate progressive shortness of breath and dry cough of 1-month duration. He did not report fever, night sweats, or hemoptysis. Physical examination revealed he was afebrile and had normal pulse oxygen saturation. The examination revealed crepitation on palpation of the anterior neck, expiratory wheezes, and crackles heard at auscultation of bases of both lungs. Extensive maculopapular rash on the skin was consistent with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Laboratory tests revealed elevated liver transaminase and bilirubin levels that were attributed to liver GVHD. Nonenhanced thin-section CT of the chest was performed.

Application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing technology for difficult lung lesions in patients with haematological diseases

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of combined virtual bronchoscopic navigation (Direct Path), radial endobronchial ultrasound with guide-sheath (EBUS), ultrathin bronchoscopy, rapid on-site evaluation of cytology (ROSE), and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for difficult lung lesions in patients with haematological diseases.

METHODS

In this study, lung specimens were obtained from patients with haematological diseases by transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). The specimens were subjected to mNGS for sequencing of pathogenic microorganisms and sent to the laboratory for examination and pathological analysis. Additionally, the clinical data and pathogenic characteristics of the patients were analysed. The sensitivity and specificity of mNGS for sequencing pathogenic microorganisms were compared between TBLB and BAL specimens.

RESULTS

In this study, the diagnosis of infectious pneumonia mainly included cytomegalovirus pneumonia, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), pulmonary aspergillosis, and tuberculosis. Some patients had non-infectious pulmonary complications, and the clinical and therapeutic outcomes were diagnosed as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS), and delayed pulmonary toxicity syndrome (DPTS). The sensitivity of mNGS for pathogenic microbes in lung tissue is better than that of alveolar lavage fluid, whereas compared with alveolar lavage fluid, its specificity is reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that combined virtual bronchoscopic navigation (Direct Path), radial EBUS, ultrathin bronchoscopy, and ROSE of target control specimens reduce the risk of bleeding, and their combination with mNGS has high diagnostic value for difficult lung lesions in patients with haematological diseases, especially in the field of infection diagnosis. TBLB and BAL specimens have respective advantages in specificity and sensitivity for mNGS analysis.

Noninfectious pulmonary complications of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an established treatment for a variety of malignant and nonmalignant conditions. Pulmonary complications, both infectious and noninfectious, are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients who undergo HSCT. Recent advances in prophylaxis and treatment of infectious complications has increased the significance of noninfectious pulmonary conditions. Acute lung injury associated with idiopathic pneumonia syndrome remains a major acute complication with high morbidity and mortality. On the other hand, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome is the most challenging chronic pulmonary complication facing clinicians who are taking care of allogeneic HSCT recipients. Other noninfectious pulmonary complications following HSCT are less frequent. This review provides a clinical update of the incidence, risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical characteristics and management of the main noninfectious pulmonary complications following HSCT.

Noninfectious pulmonary complications following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this patient population. There are recent advances in the diagnosis and management of these conditions.http://bit.ly/2FgsIYG

Mimickers of pulmonary lymphoma

There are multiple entities that involve the lung that have radiographic, clinical, and morphologic overlaps with pulmonary lymphoma. In this review, we will discuss these entities in detail and provide relevant updates.

Optimal Delivery of Follow-Up Care After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplant: Improving Patient Outcomes with a Multidisciplinary Approach

The increasing indications for allogeneic stem-cell transplant in patients with hematologic malignancies and non-malignant diseases combined with improved clinical outcomes have contributed to increase the number of long-term survivors. However, survivors are at increased risk of developing a unique set of complications and late effects, besides graft-versus-host disease and disease relapse. In this setting, the management capacity of a single health-care provider can easily be overwhelmed. Thus, to provide appropriate survivorship care, a multidisciplinary approach for the long-term follow-up is essential. This review aims at summarizing the most relevant information that a health-care provider should know to establish a follow-up care plan, in the light of individual exposures and risk factors, that includes all organ systems and considers the psychological burden of these patients.

Late Noninfectious Pulmonary Complications in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an established therapeutic modality for a number of malignant and nonmalignant conditions. Pulmonary complications following HSCT are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. These complications may be classified into infectious versus noninfectious, and early versus late based on the time of occurrence post-transplant. Thus, exclusion of infectious etiologies is the first step in the diagnoses of pulmonary complications. Late onset noninfectious pulmonary complications typically occur 3 months post-transplant. Bronchiolitis obliterans is the major contributor to late-onset pulmonary complications, and its clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and current therapeutic approaches are discussed. Idiopathic pneumonia syndrome is another important complication which usually occurs early, although its onset may be delayed. Organizing pneumonia is important to recognize due to its responsiveness to corticosteroids. Other late onset noninfectious pulmonary complications discussed here include pulmonary venoocclusive disease, pulmonary cytolytic thrombi, pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis, thoracic air leak syndrome, and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders.

[Clinical analysis of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after haplo- hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

Objective: To investigate the incidence, risk factors and survival of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) in patients who had undergone haplo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) . Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 444 consecutive patients who underwent haplo-HSCT and survived at least 100 days after transplantation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between January 2013 and December 2015. Results: By the end of follow-up on January 1, 2018, 25 patients (5.63%) had BOS (BOS group) . The median onset time of BOS was 448 (165-845) d post transplantation, the 1-year, 2-year and 3-year cumulative incidence of BOS was 1.6% (95%CI 1.5%-1.6%) , 4.8% (95%CI 4.7%-4.8%) and 5.8% (95%CI 5.7%-5.8%) , respectively. Among patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) , the cumulative incidence at the same intervals was 2.8% (95%CI 2.7%-2.8%) , 9.5% (95%CI 9.4%-9.5%) and 11.5% (95%CI 11.4%-11.6%) , respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the risk factors for BOS were high-risk primary disease, Ⅱ-Ⅳ aGVHD and preceding cGVHD with other organs. The 3-year overall survival (OS) was lower among patients with than those without BOS, but the difference was not significant [71.8% (95%CI 53.9%-89.6%) vs 72.4% (95%CI 68.1%-76.7%) , P=0.400]. Overall 1-year, 3-year survival of patients with BOS from the time of diagnosis was 78.4% (95%CI 61.5%-95.3%) and 37.0% (95%CI 2.5%-71.5%) , respectively, significantly less than those without (93.9% and 89.3%, from day 448 after transplantation, respectively, P<0.001) . Furthermore, we found a significantly higher incidence of transplantation-related mortality (TRM) in patients with compared with patients without BOS (28.2% vs 10.9%, P<0.001) . The main risk factor for OS of BOS patients was the severity of pulmonary impairment at the time of diagnosis. Patients who developed severe BOS had a worse OS than those with moderate and mild BOS (P=0.049) . Conclusion: BOS is a severe pulmonary complication of haplo-HSCT. High-risk primary disease, Ⅱ-Ⅳ aGVHD and preceding cGVHD were independent risk factors for BOS. Patients who developed BOS had a worse OS than those without BOS. The main risk factor for OS of BOS patients was the severity of pulmonary impairment.

Bronchoscopic features, associations, and outcomes of organizing pneumonia following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Organizing pneumonia (OP) is a poorly understood complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). We identified 15 patients diagnosed with OP following HSCT and described their clinical course. CT chest findings were remarkable for multifocal infiltrates that were predominantly consolidating or ground glass opacities. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed on 14 patients with five having lymphocytosis (> 25% lymphocytes), three with eosinophilia (> 5% eosinophils), three with neutrophilia (> 30% neutrophils), and three with normal cell counts. Flow cytometry was analyzed on BAL fluid in 13 patients with 11 having a CD4/CD8 of < 0.9. Initial treatment with 0.3–1.0 mg/kg prednisone resulted in improvement in symptoms, in radiographic findings, and in pulmonary function testing for the majority of patients. Six patients had recurrence of OP after completing treatment. Eleven patients had evidence of extra-pulmonary graft-versus-host disease prior to diagnosis of OP, and seven patients were diagnosed with an upper respiratory tract infection (URI) within 8 weeks of OP diagnosis. Most patients respond well to prednisone with significant improvement in pulmonary function, but risk of recurrence is high after cessation of steroid treatment. Risk factors for the development of OP may include prior URI.

Patterns of onset and outcome of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is characterized by frequent recurrence. Few studies have examined onset and recurrence patterns of COP after HSCT. We investigated the clinical features of COP after HSCT in a single-center retrospective study including 165 consecutive patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT. Eighteen patients (11%) developed COP after HSCT. Hypoxemia and pleural effusion at the onset of COP were significantly associated with umbilical cord blood transplantation (P = 0.002 and P = 0.002, respectively). Recurrence of COP was observed in six patients and significantly associated with the presence of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD; P = 0.013) and stem cell sources other than umbilical cord blood (P = 0.038). Four patients with COP died of pulmonary failure after recurrence of COP. No patients who underwent umbilical cord blood transplantation experienced recurrence of COP. These findings suggest that the clinical features at the onset of COP may depend on stem cell sources. Moreover, both stem cell source and the absence or presence of cGVHD may affect COP recurrence, indicating the need to develop treatment strategies against COP according to stem cell source and risk of cGVHD.

Complications of Stem Cell Transplantation that Affect Infections in Stem Cell Transplant Recipients, with Analogies to Patients with Hematologic Malignancies

This article discusses the complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantion (HSCT) that affect infections in HSCT recipients, with analogies to patients with hematologic malignancies. Mucositis, with mucosal barrier disruption, is common and increases the risk of gram-positive and anaerobic bacterial, and fungal infections, and can evolve to typhlitis. Engraftment syndrome; graft-versus-host disease, hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome; and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome can affect the infectious potential either directly from organ dysfunction or indirectly from specific treatment. Pulmonary infections can predispose to life threatening complications including diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, idiopathic pulmonary syndrome, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, and bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia.

Managing pulmonary complications in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Introduction: Progress in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) procedures has been associated with improved survival in HSCT recipients. However, they have also brought to light organ-specific complications, especially pulmonary complications. In this setting, pulmonary complications are consistently associated with poor outcomes, and improved management of these complications is required. Areas covered: We review the multiple infectious and noninfectious lung complications that occur both early and late after allogeneic HSCT. This includes the description of these complications, risk factors, diagnostic approach and outcome. A literature search was performed using PubMed-indexed journals. Expert commentary: Multiple lung complications after allogeneic HSCT can be diagnosed concomitantly and require a multidisciplinary approach. A specific clinical evaluation including a precise analysis of a lung CT scan is necessary. Management of these lung complications, especially the noninfectious ones, is impaired by the lack of prospective, randomized control trials, suggesting preventive strategies should be developed.

Current Approach to Non-Infectious Pulmonary Complications of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an established treatment for patients with a wide range of malignant and nonmalignant conditions. Noninfectious pulmonary complications still remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. Treating hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients with noninfectious pulmonary complications is still challenging, and the current treatment armamentarium and strategies are not adequate for patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Further trials are needed for a better description of the pathogenesis and the complete diagnostic criteria as well as for the development of effective therapeutic approaches for the management of noninfectious pulmonary complications of the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This review outlines the incidence, risk factors, pathogenesis, and clinical spectrum and discusses the current approaches to the management of noninfectious pulmonary complications of Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Respiratory failure in the hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient

The number of patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is rapidly rising worldwide. Despite substantial improvements in peri-transplant care, pulmonary complications resulting in respiratory failure remain a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in the post-transplant period, and represent a major barrier to the overall success of HSCT. Infectious complications include pneumonia due to bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and most commonly occur during neutropenia in the early post-transplant period. Non-infectious complications include idiopathic pneumonia syndrome, peri-engraftment respiratory distress syndrome, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, delayed pulmonary toxicity syndrome, cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. These complications have distinct clinical features and risk factors, occur at differing times following transplant, and contribute to morbidity and mortality.

Lung histopathology of non-infectious pulmonary complications after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

AIMS

Non-infectious pulmonary complications (NIPCs) occur frequently following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). As there is no consensus on the description of the related pulmonary pathological lesions, pathologist reports and clinical conclusions are largely inconsistent in routine practice. The aim of our study was to provide an accurate overview of post-allogeneic HSCT NIPCs from a large number of lung biopsies.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We reviewed 61 lung biopsies in patients with an NIPC, including 51 surgical lung biopsies, four post-mortem biopsies and six lung explants. We found both bronchiolar (n = 59) and alveolar/interstitial pathologies (n = 27). We describe two types of bronchiolar lesions: bronchiolectasies (n = 37) and fibrous and cellular lesions with luminal narrowing (n = 43). We found a wide spectrum of airway/interstitial pathologies that were labelled using the terminology of the 2013 American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS) classification of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs), including the following: organising pneumonia (OP, n = 8), non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP, n = 9), diffuse alveolar damage (DAD, n = 6), lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP, n = 1) and pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE, n = 2), as well as one instance of associated PPFE and NSIP.

CONCLUSIONS

Interstitial pathology was associated with bronchiolar lesions in 41% of the cases reviewed (n = 25). Lung airway and interstitial inflammation was still present in lung explants from patients who underwent lung transplantation for post-allogeneic HSCT end-stage respiratory insufficiency. Herein, we describe a wide spectrum of pathological lung lesions encountered in post-allogeneic HSCT NIPCs.

Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome and Other Late Pulmonary Complications After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

As more individuals survive their hematologic malignancies after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), there is growing appreciation of the late organ complications of this curative procedure for malignant and nonmalignant hematologic disorders. Late noninfectious pulmonary complications encompass all aspects of the bronchopulmonary anatomy. There have been recent advances in the diagnostic recognition and management of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, which is recognized as a pulmonary manifestation of chronic graft-versus-host disease. Organizing pneumonia and other interstitial lung diseases are increasingly recognized. This article provides an update on these entities as well as pleural and pulmonary vascular disease after allogeneic HSCT.

Recovery of Pulmonary Function after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Children is Associated with Improved Survival

Abnormal pulmonary function is prevalent in survivors of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Post-transplantation recovery of pulmonary function, and its effect on survival, in children are not known. This retrospective cohort study of 308 children followed for 10 years after HCT at a single institution included 2 groups of patients. Group 1 comprised 188 patients with 3 or more pulmonary function test (PFT) results, of which at least 1 was abnormal, and group 2 comprised 120 patients with 3 or more PFTs, all of which were normal. Pulmonary function normalized post-transplantation in 51 patients (27%) in group 1. Obstructive lung disease, restrictive lung disease, mixed lung disease, and normal pattern were seen in 43%, 25%, 5%, and 27% of patients, respectively, at a median of 5 years (range, 0.5 to 11.9 years) post-transplantation. Lung volumes recovered better than spirometric indices. Pulmonary complications were seen in 80 patients (43%) in group 1. Patients who recovered pulmonary function had better overall survival (P = .006), which did not differ significantly from that in patients in group 2 with normal lung function post-transplantation (P = .80). After adjusting for duration of follow-up, pulmonary complications (P = .01), and lower pretransplantation forced vital capacity z-scores (P = .01) were associated with poor recovery. T cell depletion (P < .001), lower pretransplantation forced expired volume in 1 second z-scores (P = .006), and chronic graft-versus-host disease (P < .001) increased the risk for pulmonary complications. Nonrecovery of lung function with pulmonary complications (P = .03), acute graft-versus-host disease (P = .004), and mechanical ventilation (P < .001) were risk factors for nonrelapse mortality. Normalization of pulmonary function is possible in long-term survivors of allogeneic HCT. Strategies to decrease the risk of pulmonary complications may improve outcomes.

Computed Tomographic Appearance of Organizing Pneumonia in an Oncologic Patient Population

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to describe the computed tomographic features of organizing pneumonia (OP) in an oncologic patient population and to also identify features associated with lung cancer and patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT).

METHODS

In retrospective computed tomographies from 151 patients with pathologically confirmed OP between January 2009 and September 2014, number of lesions, location, size, margin type, and consistency, as well as volume of lymphadenopathy and the presence and size of pleural effusions, were recorded. Associated malignancy was noted.

RESULTS

Organizing pneumonia most commonly presented as a diffuse process (n = 62, 41%), frequently occupied both a central and peripheral location (n = 79, 53%), and commonly presented with a solid appearance (n = 67, 44%) or with ground glass opacity (n = 80, 53%). Pleural effusions were seen in 68 patients (45%). Organizing pneumonia less frequently contained air bronchograms, cavitation, necrosis, surrounding ground glass opacity, or adjacent bronchiectasis. In patients with lung cancer (n = 25, 17%), OP more likely presented as discrete lesions and occupied a peripheral location as compared with patients with other malignancies (Ps = 0.025 and 0.002). In HSCT patients (n = 29, 19%), a diffuse process was more commonly seen than in non-HSCT patients (P = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Organizing pneumonia more commonly presents as discrete lesions with a peripheral location in patients with lung cancer and as a diffuse process in patients who had undergone HSCT.

Pulmonary Clinicopathological Correlation after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: An Autopsy Series

Pulmonary complications are a significant cause of morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The objective of this study was to compare antemortem clinical suspicion of pulmonary complications and postmortem findings in a modern HSCT cohort. All patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT at our institution (n = 1854) between January 1, 2000 and June 30, 2010 were reviewed and patients who died of any cause greater than 1 year after HSCT and had an unrestricted autopsy available for analysis were included. Presence of pulmonary graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was assessed by a pathologist blinded to the autopsy report, as previously described by Yousem (1995). A total of 35 (1.9%) patients had autopsies available for review. Airway disease, vascular disease, and interstitial disease were all clinically under-recognized compared with the pathological findings on autopsy. Varying degrees of pathological changes were detected, including 10 (28.6%) patients having bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) and 12 (34.3%) patients having pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD). Pulmonary manifestations of chronic GVHD, particularly BO and PVOD, were clinically under-recognized in our cohort. Our results suggest that PVOD, which has traditionally been considered a rare complication, may be clinically and histologically under-recognized.

Late effects of blood and marrow transplantation

Hematopoietic cell transplantation is a curative treatment for a variety of hematologic diseases. Advances in transplantation technology have reduced early transplant-related mortality and expanded application of transplantation to older patients and to a wider variety of diseases. Management of late effects after transplantation is increasingly important for a growing number of long-term survivors that is estimated to be half a million worldwide. Many studies have shown that transplant survivors suffer from significant late effects that adversely affect morbidity, mortality, working status and quality of life. Late effects include diseases of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and endocrine systems, dysfunction of the thyroid gland, gonads, liver and kidneys, infertility, iron overload, bone diseases, infection, solid cancer, and neuropsychological effects. The leading causes of late mortality include recurrent malignancy, lung diseases, infection, secondary cancers and chronic graft-versus-host disease. The aim of this review is to facilitate better care of adult transplant survivors by summarizing accumulated evidence, new insights, and practical information about individual late effects. Further research is needed to understand the biology of late effects allowing better prevention and treatment strategies to be developed.

Role of HRCT Chest in Post Stem Cell Transplant Recipients Suspected of Pulmonary Complications

INTRODUCTION

Stem cell transplantation is today's procedure of choice for management of various hematopoietic malignant and severe immunogenic disorders. High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) is a common technique for the diagnosis of pulmonary complications in stem cell transplant recipients. There are a large number of complications which can complicate the post-transplant period.

AIM

To study the role of HRCT chest in stem cell transplant patients developing pulmonary complications, detect any evidence of infection, detect clinical signs of lung infections, Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD) or other regimen related toxicities outlined earlier, detect any evidence of GvHD and correlate these clinical signs with radiological changes in the lungs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was a prospective study of 52 participants with indication of stem cell transplantation. The study included recipients of HSCT transplant and the exclusion criteria was patients who failed for engraftment and having an associated history of pulmonary embolism. Patients were screened for pre-transplant chemotherapy, clinical examination, laboratory investigations including blood and biochemical examinations, imaging by ultrasound, chest radiography, baseline HRCT and a follow-up for post-transplant infections and complications with 16 slice Siemens CT scan. Statistical analysis was done using Pearson's chi-squared test.

RESULTS

Four patients among the total 56 were excluded due to non-engraftment. The most common associated findings in decreasing order are (these patients died): consolidation, pancytopenia and gastrointestinal tract symptoms with VOD (Veno-Occlusive Disease). These findings were seen on HRCT as consolidation, cavities, ground glass opacities, fibrotic changes, bronchiectatic changes and tree in bud appearance.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the significant positive findings on the HRCT which were missed on routine chest radiograph and can be used for early diagnoses. Thus, HRCT helped in decreasing the mortality. The abnormal vitals and TLC counts showed a significant relation between the numbers of death in the study.

The lung function score and its components as predictors of overall survival and chronic graft-vs-host disease after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Aim

To retrospectively assess if the modified lung function score (LFS) and/or its components, forced expiratory volume within the first second (FEV₁) and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide corrected for hemoglobin level (cDLCO), predict overall survival (OS) and chronic graft-vs-host-disease (cGvHD).

Methods

We evaluated 241 patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) at the University of Regensburg Transplant Center between June 1998 and July 2005 in relation to their LFS, FEV₁ and cDLCO, before and after HSCT.

Results

Decreased OS after allo-HSCT was related to decreased pre-transplantation values of FEV₁<60% (P = 0.040), cDLCO<50% of predicted value (P = 0.025), and LFS≥III (P = 0.037). It was also related to decreased FEV₁ at 3 and 12 months after HSCT (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively) and increased LFS at 3 and 12 months after HSCT (P = 0.028 and P = 0.002, respectively), but not to changes of cDLCO. A higher incidence of cGvHD was related to decreased FEV₁ at 6, 12, and 18 months (P = 0.069, P = 0.054, and P = 0.009, respectively) and increased LFS at 12 months (P = 0.002), but not to changes in cDLCO.

Conclusions

OS was related to both LFS and FEV₁, but cGvHD had a stronger relation to FEV₁ than to cDLCO or LFS. FEV₁ alone offered more information on the outcome after allo-HSCT than LFS or cDLCO, suggesting limited value of LFS for the patients’ assessment after allo-HSCT.

High-resolution CT findings of idiopathic pneumonia syndrome after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: based on the updated concept of idiopathic pneumonia syndrome by the American Thoracic Society in 2011

Idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS) is an acute lung dysfunction of non-infectious aetiology and a severe complication following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Recently, the American Thoracic Society (ATS) updated the concept of IPS and extended the concept to a wider range; it defined IPS as "an idiopathic syndrome of pneumopathy after HSCT, with evidence of widespread alveolar injury and in which infectious aetiologies and cardiac dysfunction, acute renal failure, or iatrogenic fluid overload have been excluded." The ATS also categorised the presumed site of primary tissue injury into three patterns (pulmonary parenchyma, vascular endothelium, and airway epithelium), each of which has several entities. Since the therapeutic strategies for IPS are clearly different from those of infectious diseases, and therapeutic delay causes a poor prognosis, radiologists should be aware of some characteristic HRCT findings of IPS, which includes a wide spectrum of entities. In this article, the characteristic HRCT findings of these entities, including acute interstitial pneumonia/acute respiratory distress syndrome, eosinophilic pneumonia, non-cardiogenic capillary leak syndrome, diffuse alveolar haemorrhage, transfusion-related acute lung injury, organising pneumonia, and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, are shown.

Current Indications, Techniques, and Imaging Findings of Stem Cell Treatment and Bone Marrow Transplant

The role of stem cell therapy in the treatment of hematologic and nonhematologic conditions is ever increasing. A thorough knowledge of the applications of stem cells and transplant physiology is essential for understanding the imaging manifestations. Stem cell imaging includes molecular imaging, and diagnostic and interventional radiology. It is possible to make a diagnosis of various complications and diseases associated with stem cell transplant. This article presents a simplified overview of stem cell applications and techniques with focus on hematopoietic stem cell transplant imaging.

[Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia]

INTRODUCTION

Organizing pneumonia is a particular type of inflammatory reaction of the lung which gives rise to a clinico-pathological syndrome. It is called "secondary" when a cause such as an infection, a drug toxicity, or a connective tissue disease can be identified, or "cryptogenic" when no cause is identified. The clinical picture is usually characterized by the subacute onset of fever, fatigue, cough and dyspnea, with multiple subpleural areas of consolidation on thoracic imaging.

STATE OF THE ART

Organizing pneumonia is characterised by the presence of buds of endoalveolar connective tissue. These result from an injury to the alveolar epithelium, followed by the deposition of fibrin in the alveolar spaces, and the migration of fibroblasts which produce a myxoid endoalveolar matrix. A remarkable feature of organizing pneumonia is the complete disappearance of these endoalveolar buds with corticosteroid treatment, in sharp contrast with what is seen in pulmonary fibrosis. The clinical response to corticosteroids is usually prompt and excellent. Relapses are frequent but usually benign.

PERSPECTIVES AND CONCLUSION

As the clinical, imaging and pathological characteristics of organizing pneumonia are now well established, many questions remain unanswered, such as the mechanisms involved in the complete reversibility of the pulmonary lesions, and the role of steroid-sparing treatments such as immunomodulatory macrolides.

Exploring the possibilities: airspace disease in the postallogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant period

A 50-year-old man with a history of myelodysplastic syndrome status postallogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in July 2013 presented in January 2014 with a 6-week history of worsening shortness of breath and dry cough. Chest imaging revealed scattered groundglass opacities in the upper lobes bilaterally and two areas of focal consolidation on the left side. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and the patient was treated with a prolonged course of vancomycin without improvement in symptoms or oxygenation. Image-guided core biopsy of an area of consolidation revealed histological findings of acute fibrinous and organising pneumonia. The patient was diagnosed with what appeared to be a manifestation of chronic graft-versus-host disease of the lung and started on high-dose corticosteroids with resultant improvement in symptoms. The response was short-lived and the patient expired 2 months later.