![]() Although HSCT is curative for most patients, the procedure is associated with significant toxicities and occasionally fatal complications. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be autologous, requiring genetic modification of the patient's stem cells to correct the genetic mutation characteristic of sickle cell disease, or allogeneic, involving replacement of the defective stem cells with healthy stem cells from a suitable donor. Despite the development of new medical therapies, sickle cell disease remains an incurable condition for most affected individuals. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation represents the only currently available curative option for individuals living with sickle cell disease. Men may choose to freeze and store their sperm for future use.Since the Sickle Cell Anemia Act, steady progress has been made in the screening and treatment of sickle cell disease. Women may choose to freeze and store fertilized eggs (embryos) to be implanted after the transplant and recovery. ![]() They can also provide information about ways you can preserve your fertility. They can suggest ways to help women cope with symptoms of menopause. Talk to your healthcare team about fertility problems. Hormone replacement therapy may be given for gonadal dysfunction. Men and women may regain gonadal functioning and fertility, but gonadal dysfunction may become permanent and cause infertility. Most women who have a stem cell transplant will experience treatment-induced menopause. Children treated before puberty have fewer problems with reproductive organ function and fertility. When the reproductive organs (gonads) stop working, it is called gonadal dysfunction.Ĭhildren receiving treatment, especially those close to or during puberty, have the greatest chance of having long-term or permanent gonadal dysfunction, called gonadal failure. Doctors may also prescribe a colony-stimulating factor (CSF) such as filgrastim (Neupogen) following a stem cell transplant to help lower the risk of infection and speed up the process of making new blood cells.įertility problems can happen because of chemotherapy or radiation therapy given before a stem cell transplant. Even if there is no sign of infection, most people are given medicines to prevent infection until their white blood cell counts start to rise. The risk of late infection depends on how quickly your immune system recovers, whether you have GVHD and if you are taking medicines to suppress your immune system.įever is often the first sign of infection. ![]() Infection can also happen a long time after a stem cell transplant. The risk is highest after an allogeneic transplant because you may be taking medicines to suppress the immune system to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The risk of infection for all types of transplant is high until the bone marrow starts to make white blood cells. Viral or fungal infections can also happen. It happens because the white blood cell count is very low and the immune system is weak. Infection is one of the most common early side effects of a stem cell transplant. Other side effects are related to the stem cell transplant. Many common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue and temporary hair loss, are from the chemotherapy or radiation therapy given before the transplant. But it’s hard to say exactly which side effects a child will have, how long they will last and when the child will recover. They will take measures to prevent side effects and will quickly deal with any side effects that develop.Ĭhildren usually have less severe side effects than adults and will often recover from them faster. The healthcare team will watch you closely during this time. ![]() Side effects of a stem cell transplant can be very serious or even life-threatening. It can take 6 to 12 months or longer for your blood counts to be back to normal and your immune system to work well.
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