OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the characteristics of veno-occlusive disease in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, and their effect as a prophylactic regimen on severity and outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study included 204 allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants performed on 187 children whose data retrospectively described the risk factors, prophylaxis, and treatment modalities of veno-occlusive disease. A prophylactic regimen composed of enoxaparin versus ursodeoxycholic acid and vitamin E was given to 167 of 204 patients.

RESULTS:

Veno-occlusive disease developed in 22 patients (10.8%). Nineteen patients experienced veno-occlusive disease despite this prophylactic regimen. The prophylaxis seemed ineffective in preventing veno-occlusive disease (P = .657). Regarding risk factors, oral busulphan use, liposomal amphotericin B vancomycin treatment, and total parenteral nutrition were associated with an increased risk of veno-occlusive disease. Conversely, renal impairment also was associated with increased mortality in patients with veno-occlusive disease. The mortality rate in the first 100 days after a hematopoietic stem cell transplant was higher in the patients with veno-occlusive disease than it was in those without the disease.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our prophylactic regimen may have played a role in the fairly low incidence of veno-occlusive disease in a pediatric population with high-risk features.