Risk of Engraftment Syndrome after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma Increases with Age and Lower Dose of CD34+ Cells, but is Not Impacted by Immunomodulatory Chemotherapy

Background: Engraftment syndrome (ES) has been observed post autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM), and may require treatment with immunosuppressive therapies and prolonged hospitalization. Risk factors for the development of ES have not been clearly defined, with conflicting reports as to the role of CD34+ cell dose and pre-ASCT therapy. Defining risk factors could lead to the development of strategies to mitigate the risk of ES.