Gastrointestinal pathological changes in stem cell transplant patients

Curr Opin Support Palliat Care. 2014 Jun;8(2):170-9. doi: 10.1097/SPC.0000000000000051.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The last 5 years have seen an expansion of knowledge about the gastrointestinal diseases that may present in haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients and also about new gastrointestinal diseases in this patient population.

Recent findings: This article summarizes the recent opinions and findings regarding gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease, and viral and other opportunistic gastrointestinal infections that can develop in HSCT patients. This article also discusses the more newly described entities of mycophenolate-mofetil-related gastrointestinal injury and cord colitis syndrome.

Summary: This review emphasizes the need for comprehensive clinical information when assessing gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsies from HSCT patients. It is crucial that both clinicians and histopathologists are aware of several specific but rare gastrointestinal diseases that may develop in these patients, because several of these diseases have specific treatments.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / etiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / pathology*
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / pathology*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / pathology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Mycophenolic Acid / adverse effects
  • Mycophenolic Acid / analogs & derivatives
  • Opportunistic Infections / complications

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Mycophenolic Acid