Cardiac Considerations in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Transfusion-dependent Thalassemia: A Review

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is considered a potentially curative treatment 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 are heart-related complications. Additionally, cardiac involvement is likely to be more common in patients who proceed to HSCT. So the risks of cardiac complications should be carefully weighed against the advantage of the primary disease cure. This review aims to discuss the cardiac considerations that should be kept in mind in TDT patients who are going through the path of HSCT.