Pulmonary and Critical Care Considerations of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

This book serves as a guide to the pulmonary and critical care complications  of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). HSCT is an important therapeutic modality for a variety of malignant and non-malignant conditions. The outcomes of these patients have been improving and the number of HSCT cases is increasing around the world. These patients, however, continue to have post-transplant complications related to conditioning regimens and graft vs. host disease. Pulmonary complications following HSCT remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this patient population.

The book begins with an overview of HSCT and graft vs. host disease. Chapters then cover particular complications, including immunological changes in lungs, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, bronchiolitis obliterans and pulmonary fibrosis. Other complications, including neurologic, renal, gastrointestinal, and cardiac, are covered. Chapters are comprehensive and consistent with each defining the scope of the complication, epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic approach, management, outcome and predictors of outcome, and future directions. The book provides insight as well on matters that arise during the care of HSCT patients such as provider burnout, nursing care, intensive care unit organization, nutritional support, and pulmonary and physical rehabilitation.

This is an ideal guide for pulmonologists, critical care physicians, transplant specialists, oncologists, and relevant trainees caring for patients who have undergone HSCT.