Critical care of the hematopoietic stem cell patient

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is evolving into a treatment modality with expanding indications and volume and with excellent outcomes, although it carries significant risk for morbidity and mortality affecting most major organ systems and often requires ICU care. With continuing improvements in supportive care and specific therapy of complications following HCT including the open-lung strategy of mechanical ventilation, use of nitric oxide, less toxic myeloablative regimens, newer classes of antibiotics, and improved immunosuppression strategies, it is hoped that mortality in this setting will continue to decline in coming years.