Bone Marrow Transplant |
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Bone Marrow Transplant
 Preparation
Procedure
Recovery
Recovery On this page is an overview of the recovery process after a bone marrow transplant. For more details, please see:
Within hours of the transplant, the new bone marrow stem cells will find their way to the marrow space in your child's bones where they will grow and start making red cells, white cells and platelets. It will take the new bone marrow about two to four weeks to grow, or engraft, in the bones.
While waiting for the new marrow to engraft, the patient will continue to be at a very high risk for developing infections, including pneumonia, and must remain in isolation. During this time, especially if mouth sores, called mucositis, develop, it is likely your child will have fevers and will need additional antibiotics.
In addition, multiple transfusions will be needed to support platelet and red blood cell counts. All blood products are tested as carefully and completely as possible by the Blood Bank to minimize transfusion reactions and infection.
Your child's absolute neutrophil count (ANC) will be monitored on a daily basis during the post-transplant period. Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cells and are responsible for protecting the body against bacterial and fungal infections. The ANC is the number of neutrophils present in the total white blood cell count. Before the attending physician will discontinue strict isolation, your child's ANC must be greater than 500 for three consecutive days.
Your child will be discharged from the hospital when he or she has the following:
- An adequate absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
- No infection or fever
- Infrequent requirement for blood and platelet transfusions
The primary caregivers -- usually the parents -- will need to receive complete discharge teaching by the nursing, dietary and pharmacy team. Your child will not be discharged from the hospital until everyone is comfortable with the care at home.
After Discharge
The risk of developing infections lasts for as long as six to 18 months following a bone marrow stem cell transplant. Your child will be followed closely by the transplant team along with his or her own doctor.
For more details, please see:
Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007
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