Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) in Children Undergoing Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is one of the most serious complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in paediatric setting. It is most commonly reported as adverse event of immunosuppressive strategies during transplantation. We present a case of a 7 years old girl with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) treated with allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) at our department. Diagnosis of PRES was confirmed by imaging techniques during the first month after transplant and it was very likely connected with cyclosporine neurotoxicity. The aim of this article is to present our first experience in diagnosing and treating PRES in paediatric stem cell transplantation. Our experience showed that PRES is one of the reasons for higher transplant related mortality in children. Early prediction of factors contributing to PRES and closely monitoring of patient's vital signs, especially blood pressure, neurological status and vision are the main contributors for challenging the patient with another immunosuppressive agent that has less neurological toxicity. Still studies have to be initiated to confirm the influence of PRES on transplant outcome.

Secondary Hodgkin Lymphoma and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) After Paclitaxel-Carboplatin Treatment in a Patient with Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Herein synchronous occurrence of Hodgkin lymphoma and secondary myelodysplastic syndrome in a 60 year old male patient with small cell lung cancer treated with combined chemotherapy (carboplatin and paclitaxel) and radiotherapy is presented. The objective of this report is to stress the importance of documenting and monitoring adverse drug reactions that arise from chemotherapy. After four years of treatment with the combined chemotherapy, the patient presented inguinal lymphadenopathy and enlarged lymph nodes and histopathology rapport was suggestive for plasmacytoid variant of Castleman disease. Three years later, biopsy of lymph node was performed and diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma - mixed cellularity has been established. Molecular analyses revealed presence of dominant monoclonal population of the immunoglobulin genes in the oligo/monoclonal background. Bone marrow biopsy findings suggested secondary myelodysplasia and revealed signs of hematopoietic cells dismaturation with signs of megaloblastic maturation of the erytropoetic lineage, appearance of ALIP (abnormal localization of immature precursors) in the myeloid lineage and dysplastic megakaryocytes. In addition, an increased level of polyclonal plasmacytes (lambda vs kappa was 60%:40%) was found. Hodgkin lymphoma and MDS occurring after 4 years of carboplatin/paclitaxel therapy might be contributed to the accumulation of alkylator-related DNA damage. This emphasize the need of outlining a monitoring plan regarding development of secondary leukemia and other malignant hematological proliferations should be outlined in the protocols.