Objectives: Many studies have shown that ferritin values that are used as an indicator of iron overload are associated with adverse outcomes after bone marrov transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ferritin on development of complications after transplantation. Methods: The data of the patients who underwent HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation) in Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, June 2001 - March 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The study cohort was divided into 2 groups as low ferritin group (ferritin <500 ng/ml) and high ferritin group (ferritin ?500 ng/ml). Results: The median age was 43 (17-69) in whole group, 51 (19-69) in the autologous SCT group, and 33 (17-58) in the allogeneic SCT group. There was a statistically significant relationship between the levels of ferritin concentrations and mucositis, fungal infection, BCI (blood circulation infections) development in some groups. There was no statistically significant relationship between high ferritin values and transplant related mortality and overall survival in both autologous and allogeneic SCT patients (p=1 and p=0.17). Conclusion: It was observed that high ferritin concentrations before SCT were associated with post-transplantation toxic and infectious complications such as mucositis, fungal infection, BCI. Keywords: Ferritin, hematopoietic stem cell, posttransplantation
Corresponding Author: Aydin Aytekin