Pretransplant paranasal sinus disease is associated with a high incidence of transplant-related mortality in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for children and adolescents

To determine whether pretransplant PSD affects the clinical outcomes in HSCT, a retrospective cohort analysis of 73 pediatric and adolescent patients who underwent HSCT was performed. Pretransplant PSD was defined as the presence of a fluid level or mucosal swelling or total opacity on sinus X-ray or CT examination performed before HSCT. Pretransplant PSD was observed in 21 (29%) patients. The probability of 2-year OS after HSCT was 42% in patients with pretransplant PSD (PSD group), and 64% in those without (non-PSD group) (P=.012). The cumulative incidence of 2-year TRM was 48% in the PSD group, and 17% in the non-PSD group (P=.005). The cumulative incidences of pulmonary complications and respiratory failure at 2 years after HSCT were significantly higher in the PSD group (41% vs 15%, P=.022; 44% vs 14%, P=.009, respectively). PSD at the time of HSCT should be recognized as an additional potential risk factor for mortality. Further investigation is required to clarify the reasons for the present findings to improve the outcomes of patients with pretransplant PSD.