Cardiovascular toxicities related to the infusion of cryopreserved grafts: results of a controlled study

Bone Marrow Transplant. 1994 Jun;13(6):789-93.

Abstract

To evaluate cardiovascular toxicities associated with the infusion of cryopreserved grafts, we prospectively monitored the infusions of 29 autologous bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients. Fifteen allogeneic BMT recipients served as a control group. Cardiac rhythm was recorded continuously with the Holter technique from at least 2 h before the start of graft infusion until 24 h after completion. Blood pressure was closely monitored during the same period. Graft infusions were performed through a standard transfusion filter with breaks between aliquots. When the infusion had commenced, diuretics were given frequently (40 and 40% of allogeneic BMT and autologous BMT recipients, respectively) to avoid fluid overload. Non-cardiovascular clinical toxicities were observed more frequently in autologous BMT patients (41% vs 6%, p = 0.02) and no significant differences were seen between autograft and allograft recipients in any of the measured cardiovascular parameters. The heart rate decreased slightly in both groups but no patient in either group had a heart rate of < 60 b.p.m. or heart block. No significant changes in blood pressure were detected in either group. Ventricular ectopic beats/atrial ectopic beats ratio increased in the autologous BMT group after graft infusion (0.7 vs 0, p = 0.1). Time to engraftment did not differ significantly from other published series. Our results suggest that increasing infusion time of cryopreserved material and using a standard filter may reduce toxicities associated with the infusion of cryopreserved grafts. Early administration of diuretics may contribute to better control of blood pressure.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Blood Pressure / physiology
  • Blood Volume
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / methods
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena*
  • Cardiovascular System / drug effects
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cryopreservation / methods
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Transplantation, Autologous