Use of prophylactic anticoagulation and the risk of hepatic veno-occlusive disease in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Hepatic veno-occlusive disease is a serious regimen-related toxicity in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the effect of anticoagulation in preventing veno-occlusive disease. Several databases and online journals were searched for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. Twelve studies (2782 patients) were eligible. Anticoagulation prophylaxis was associated with a statistically nonsignificant decrease in risk of veno-occlusive disease (pooled relative risk (RR), 0.90; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.62-1.29). Results of one of three randomized controlled trials may have been affected by delayed introduction of anticoagulation. A second trial enrolled patients who received conventional chemoradiotherapy for early-stage disease (RR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.04-0.78). The third trial was a pilot study with a small sample size (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.53-1.04). Significant heterogeneity and methodologic weaknesses preclude drawing a meaningful conclusion from the pooled analysis. Despite some limitations, results of two of three eligible randomized controlled trials suggest that prophylactic anticoagulation may help prevent veno-occlusive disease. However, a large randomized controlled trial is needed for confirmation. Additionally, in future studies, owing to the wide spectrum of severity of veno-occlusive disease, outcomes such as 100-day mortality should strongly be considered.
Imran
H
H
Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. imran.hamayun@mayo.edu
Tleyjeh
I M
IM
Zirakzadeh
A
A
Rodriguez
V
V
Khan
S P
SP
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D019992:Databases as Topic; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006504:Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000925:Anticoagulants