Cardiovascular risk factors and subclinical organ damage after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric age

Bone Marrow Transplant. 2018 Aug;53(8):983-992. doi: 10.1038/s41409-018-0104-x. Epub 2018 Feb 9.

Abstract

Advances in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in malignant and non-malignant diseases result in more long-term survivors, in whom cardiovascular (CV) disease is one leading non-cancer cause of death. This study aimed to evaluate risk factors and subclinical CV organ damage in survivors after HSCT in pediatric age. We enrolled 64 children in a cross-sectional approach 3.3 ± 3.1 years after HSCT. Anthropometric data, laboratory values, office and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were evaluated, showing a high prevalence of obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia. CV organ damage was determined by non-invasive measurements of aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and carotid intima media thickness (IMT). Increased IMT and elevated PWV reflecting subclinical vascular damage were detected in 48% (IMT) and 6% (PWV) of our population. For IMT, physical activity had a positive impact and was worsened by time after HSCT. Our results show a surprisingly high rate of subclinical CV organ damage and classical risk factors. Therefore, diagnosis and management of well-known CV risk factors belong to clinical care after HSCT.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / pathology
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Transplantation Conditioning / adverse effects*
  • Transplantation Conditioning / methods