A retrospective study of 10 cases of post-transplant bronchiolitis obliterans

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the clinical features of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) in patients with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT from January 1998 to December 2016. The clinical features, radiological manifestations and treatment of clinically proven BOS were reviewed. Results: Of 681 patients who experienced HSCT, 10(1.47%) met the diagnostic criteria. The duration of BOS onset after transplantation was 5-48 months, averaging (18±15) months. Cough and worsening dyspnea were present in most cases, and 9 (90%) of the cases had manifestations of chronic graft versus host disease. Hyperinflation with areas of decreased attenuation and bronchiectasis were present in 7 (70%) cases and air trapping was present during the expiratory phase of imaging. The management of BOS consisted of high dose systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy. Patients were treated with bronchodilators if they were symptomatic and during acute exacerbations of respiratory symptoms. In 5 (50%) patients the condition deteriorated and caused death, while in 3 patients the condition was improved. Two patients were lost to follow up. Conclusion: BOS is the most common late noninfectious pulmonary complication following allogeneic HSCT and has a poor prognosis.