Pulmonary Complications of Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HCT): An NIH Workshop Summary.

Approximately 2500 pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HCT), most of which are allogeneic, are performed annually in the U.S.A. for life-threatening malignant and non-malignant conditions. Although HCT is undertaken with curative intent, post-HCT complications limit successful outcomes, with pulmonary dysfunction representing the leading cause of non-relapse mortality. To better understand, predict, prevent and/or treat pulmonary complications after HCT, a multidisciplinary group of 33 experts met in a 2-day NIH workshop to identify knowledge gaps and research strategies most likely to improve outcomes. This summary of Workshop deliberations outlines the consensus focus areas for future research.