Factors affecting survival in children requiring intensive care after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A retrospective single-center study.

Allo-HSCT is associated with life-threatening complications. Therefore, a considerable number of patients require admission to a PICU. We evaluated the incidence and outcome of PICU admissions after allo-HSCT in children, along with the potential factors influencing PICU survival. A retrospective chart review of 668 children who underwent first allo-HSCT in the Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and BMT in Wroclaw during years 2005-2017, particularly focusing on patients admitted to the PICU within 1-year post-HSCT. Fifty-eight (8.7%) patients required 64 admissions to the PICU. Twenty-four (41.5%) were discharged, and 34 (58.6%) patients died. Among the discharged patients, 6-month survival was 66.7%. Compared with survivors, death cases were more likely to have required MV (31/34; 91.2% vs. 16/24; 66.7% P = .049), received more aggressive cardiac support (17/34; 50% vs. 2/24; 8.3% P = .002), and had a lower ANC on the last day of their PICU stay (P = .004). Five patients were successfully treated with NIV and survived longer than 6 months post-discharge. The intensity of cardiac support and ANC on the last day of PICU treatment was independent factors influencing PICU survival. Children admitted to the PICU after allo-HSCT have a high mortality rate. Mainly those who needed a more aggressive approach and had a lower ANC on the last day of treatment had a greater risk of death. While requiring MV is associated with decreased PICU survival, early implementation of NIV might be considered.