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Post-Transplant Events

Prophylactic defibrotide in allogeneic stem cell transplantation: minimal morbidity and zero mortality from veno-occlusive disease

Bone Marrow Transplantation volume 40, pages 79–82 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

Veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a common and high-risk complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Defibrotide has recently been used successfully to treat the disorder. We report on 58 patients who received defibrotide prophylaxis without concurrent heparin. No patients fulfilled the Baltimore criteria for VOD or died of the condition within 100 days of SCT. None of this group developed haemorrhagic complications secondary to defibrotide. These observations suggest that prophylaxis with defibrotide alone may reduce the incidence of VOD post-SCT although a randomised controlled trial is warranted to further evaluate its role.

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Acknowledgements

No external funding was received for this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Haemato-oncology, Royal Marsden Hospital, Downs Road, Surrey, UK

    F Dignan, D Gujral, M Ethell, S Evans, J Treleaven, G Morgan & M Potter

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  1. F Dignan
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  2. D Gujral
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  3. M Ethell
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  4. S Evans
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  5. J Treleaven
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  6. G Morgan
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  7. M Potter
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Correspondence to F Dignan.

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Dignan, F., Gujral, D., Ethell, M. et al. Prophylactic defibrotide in allogeneic stem cell transplantation: minimal morbidity and zero mortality from veno-occlusive disease. Bone Marrow Transplant 40, 79–82 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bmt.1705696

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