What is BMT?

A bone marrow transplant is a medical procedure in which stem cells are transferred from one person to another. Bone marrow transplantation is used to treat various diseases, including blood cancers, inherited metabolic disorders, and some immune system diseases.

Purpose of Bone Marrow Transplant:

Bone marrow transplant is a treatment used to replace unhealthy bone marrow with healthy bone marrow.

Complications During Bone Marrow Transplant:

There are a number of potential risks and complications associated with bone marrow transplants. The most common risks and complications include:

1. Infection: This is the most common complication associated with a bone marrow transplant. Patients are at risk of developing infections due to the use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and the transplantation process itself.
2. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD): This condition can occur after a bone marrow transplant in which the donor cells attack the recipient’s tissues. GVHD can cause a wide range of symptoms, including skin rashes, diarrhea, and liver problems.
3. The low blood count is A common complication after a bone marrow transplant. Low blood counts can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and a higher risk of infection.
4. Organ damage: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can damage the recipient’s organs. This can lead to kidney failure, liver failure, and heart failure.

Types of Bone Marrow Transplant:

There are five types of bone marrow transplant:

• Autologous bone marrow transplant: This is the most common type of bone marrow transplant. The patient’s bone marrow is used to treat cancer.
• Allogeneic bone marrow transplant: This is a transplant from a donor. The donor’s bone marrow is used to treat cancer.
• Syngeneic bone marrow transplant: This is a transplant from a sibling. The sibling’s bone marrow is used to treat cancer.
• Umbilical cord blood transplant: This is a transplant from umbilical cord blood. Umbilical cord blood is collected after a baby is born.
• Xenogeneic bone marrow transplant: This is a transplant from a donor who is not human. The donor’s bone marrow is used to treat cancer.

How Long Does it Take to Recover after a Bone Marrow Transplant?

Depending on the individual, it takes time to recover after a bone marrow transplant. Some people feel better within a few weeks, while others may take several months. Recovery times can vary depending on the person’s age, health, and type of transplant.

How Dangerous is the Bone Marrow Transplants?

There is a small risk of death associated with bone marrow transplants. The overall mortality rate is about 1-3%, with the risk higher for those who receive a transplant from a donor other than a sibling.