Gastrointestinal complications

Gastrointestinal and hepatic complications are common in the hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patient. The agents used in the conditioning regimen induce direct disruption of the intestinal barrier as well as indirect damage from cytokine release and generalized inflammatory state. These events lead to permeation of bacteria and endotoxins through the bowel wall, with subsequent organ damage and increased risk for infections. Similarly, HSCT conditioning can directly affect the hepatic parenchyma or hepatic sinusoids. The immunosuppressed state of the HSCT patient also increases the risk for opportunistic infections of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.