Central Nervous System Complications and Outcomes After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Background: Central nervous system complications (CNSC) can be the cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We aimed to determine the incidence of CNSC and its impact on survival.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients with hematologic disorders who received allo-HSCT between 2002 and 2011 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Results: Of the 351 patients identified, 45 developed CNSC (12.8%). The 100-day cumulative incidence of CNSC was 8% (95% confidence interval, 8-15). The most common CNSC included posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (40%), stroke or transient ischemic attack (24%), seizures (20%), and infection (9%). The 5-year overall survival was significantly lower among patients with versus without CNSC (14% vs. 44%, P = .0004). In multivariate analysis, the risk of mortality for patients with versus without CNSC was significantly higher (hazard ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-2.36; P = .04).

Conclusion: The occurrence of CNSC after allo-HSCT was associated with reduced survival. Identifying patients at risk, monitoring, early detection, and management of CNSC after allo-HSCT are needed to improve outcomes.