A bone marrow transplant is a procedure used to replace damaged or abnormal bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells from a donor. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the side effects of a bone marrow transplant depend on many factors, including the type of bone marrow transplant you receive, your age and health prior to the transplant, how well-matched your marrow is to your donors and what disease you have. Generally, side effects can include pain, infection, bleeding and treatment failure.
Infection
Serious, life-threatening bacterial, viral and fungal infections may occur as a side effect of a bone marrow transplant. According to the University of Virginia Health System, children with severe bone marrow suppression are most likely to get infections. Medications are often given to children whose immune systems are suppressed in an attempt to prevent infection. However, should infections develop, they may complicate the outcome of the transplant and cause permanent damage to vital organs.
Bleeding
Non-functioning bone marrow can alter the number of platelets--cells that help the blood clot--and red cells in the blood. Low platelet count can impair blood clotting, leading to life-threatening bleeding in the lungs, brain, intestines or other parts of the body, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Low red blood cell count can cause anemia, a condition that interferes with the amount of oxygen that reaches the heart and other vital tissues in the body. Multiple blood transfusions and/or gastrointestinal tract therapy may be required to treat anemia and prevent serious complications until new bone marrow stem cells start producing blood cells, according to the University of Virginia.
Graft Failure and Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Bone marrow transplants can result in graft failure--a condition in which the transplanted bone marrow cells fail to start producing new stem cells. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)--an immune reaction in which the donor cells attack cells in the recipient's body--may also occur. Initially, GVHD may cause a skin rash, diarrhea or abnormal liver function. Progressive symptoms include scarring in the lungs, fever, abdominal pain or other serious problems, according to the NIH.
Other Side Effects
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and a condition called mucositis that causes inflammation and soreness of the mucous membranes lining the mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach may occur after a bone marrow transplant, according to the NIH. Depressed immune function can lead to slow healing of these sores and other infections. Pain is a common side effect, and medication to manage this discomfort is sometimes needed. According to the University of Virginia, respiratory distress and fluid overload caused by kidney dysfunction can also occur. Children receiving new bone marrow stem cells may show delayed growth, while women may experience early menopause. The risk of developing cataracts may also increase as a result of bone marrow transplants.
