Acute central nervous system complications in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell patients

Acute neurologic complications in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients cause significant morbidity and mortality. To conduct a comprehensive review of the existing literature reporting acute neurologic complications of the central nervous system among children undergoing HSCT. Comprehensive literature review from 2000 to 2014 using Medline. A total of 566 pediatric articles were reviewed and data from 66 studies selected. A brief overview of morbidity and mortality in pediatric HSCT patients is provided followed by a summary of findings related to acute neurologic complications. Acute central nervous system complications in pediatric HSCT patients are varied and are the result of multiple causes including infection, drug-related toxicity, immune suppression, vascular injury and neoplasms.