Myeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) “resulted in stable pulmonary function” among pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), according to findings from a recent study.
Cynthia Joseph, MD, of Children’s Hospital Colorado, and colleagues conducted the study and published their findings in Transplantation and Cellular Therapy.
The investigators explained that it was important to explore the effects of transplantation on pulmonary function in pediatric patients because “the unique pathophysiological features of SCD contribute to widespread vascular dysfunction and end-organ damage,” which predominantly affect the pulmonary system.
Moreover, the investigators highlighted the “spectrum of chronic complications” that can affect patients in this population after transplantation, including pulmonary hypertension, asthma and recurrent acute chest syndrome. In addition, they emphasized that “access to curative therapies including hematopoietic stem cell therapy and gene therapy remains low for patients living with SCD.”