According to the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, bone marrow transplants are performed each year to treat patients with various cancers and immune diseases. Thousands of lives are saved each year because of this procedure, but it is one that carries risks and complications. These complications may occur separately or in concert with one another, and can have different effects.
The Risk of Infection
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, any infection can be detrimental to a bone marrow transplant recipient because it may delay or prevent engraftment. This is the process through which the stem cells connect to the marrow and begin producing new cells. Infections can also cause a longer hospital stay or may permanently damage other organs. While bacterial infections are the most common, viral or fungal infections may also occur.
Fluid Overload
During a bone marrow transplant, a number of fluids are administered intravenously (through the veins). This includes medications, blood and in some cases, nutrients. Some patients may have kidneys that are damaged as a result of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, the disease itself or antibiotic treatment. Because of this kidney damage, the kidneys are unable to process this excess fluid and the body suffers from fluid overload. As a result, the patient may suffer from high blood pressure, pneumonia or liver damage.
Pain
One of the most common complications of a bone marrow transplant, the pain generally occurs in either the mouth or gastrointestinal tract. This is due to high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation, which causes inflammation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.
Low Blood Counts
Low blood counts typically affect the platelets and red blood cells. This occurs if the bone marrow does not begin to function and platelets are not produced. In some cases, family members are asked to donate platelets if the patient does not respond well to his donor's. If blood counts are not raised to healthy levels, it can result in bleeding of the lungs, brain and gastrointestinal tract, all of which can be life threatening.
Damage to the Liver and Heart
Liver and heart damage may occur as a result of fluid overload, infection and high doses of both chemotherapy and radiation. This damage can be temporary or permanent, therefore tests are performed before, during and after the transplant to monitor the condition of these two vital organs.
