Neurological events associated with the infusion of cryopreserved bone marrow and/or peripheral blood progenitor cells

Bone Marrow Transplant. 2000 Jun;25(12):1285-7. doi: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1702443.

Abstract

Reports of neurological toxicity of cryopreserved stem cell infusion are infrequent. Three of 179 consecutive patients experienced significant neurological events in this context. Transient global amnesia developed following infusion in one patient and in the other two, cerebral infarction occurred. Profound hypotension, bradyarrhythmias or hypoxia were not associated with any of these episodes. These events may have been related to infused DMSO, which in the non-transplant setting has been associated with neurological toxicity and local infusion of which has resulted in acute vasospasm in animal models. These cases suggest that infusion of cryopreserved stem cells may result in cerebrovascular ischaemia. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2000) 25, 1285-1287.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Marrow
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Cryopreservation*
  • Dimethyl Sulfoxide / adverse effects
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology

Substances

  • Dimethyl Sulfoxide