HEMORRHAGIC CYSTITIS IN BONE-MARROW TRANSPLANTATION

Objectives. Patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation are at ris k for hemorrhagic cystitis despite appropriate preventive measures. Th is complication could have an impact on patient survival and other out come variables. Methods. A retrospective study of patients subjected t o bone marrow transplantation was conducted to determine risk factors for hemorrhagic cystitis and evaluate the impact of hemorrhagic cystit is on certain outcome variables. Patients who experienced hemorrhagic cystitis received various forms of therapy, at the discretion of the t reating physician. Results. Hemorrhagic cystitis occurred more frequen tly in younger patients and those undergoing allogeneic transplantatio n. The occurrence of hemorrhagic cystitis was associated with increase d hospital costs, length of hospitalization, and mortality. Gender, ra ce, type of malignancy, other pretransplantation comorbidity, and the occurrence of other peritransplantation complications were not associa ted with occurrence of hemorrhagic cystitis. Conclusions. Hemorrhagic cystitis is a significant complication of bone marrow transplantation, which influences economic and survival outcome. Since the number of b one marrow transplants being performed is increasing, urologists shoul d be prepared to play an active role in treating patients who experien ce this complication.