All You Need To Know About Bone Marrow Transplant

By Dr Arjun Sewhani


The spongy material which is present in the centers of bones is called bone marrow. It is very important because it has stem cells that produce white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells. Once these cells are damaged, a Bone Marrow Transplant will have to be done.

These transplants are necessary to treat conditions that have caused damage that stops the production of normal blood cells. If your body is unable to produce enough red blood cells, the body will be starved of oxygen and this might cause organ damage. If your body is not able to produce enough white blood cells, you will be at higher risk of developing serious infections. If your body does not have enough platelets, you will bruise and bleed easily.

A medical condition that affects blood and bone marrow is leukemia which is a cancer that affects your white blood cells. It causes frenzied replication of white blood cells with no infection fighting capabilities. The harmful cells will start spreading into the bloodstream very quickly and leaves no space for the red blood cells and platelets. This increases the threat of serious infections. It could lead to anemic symptoms and you will be prone to easy bruising and bleeding.

Bone marrow can be affected by hereditary blood conditions. A medical condition like sickle cell anemia will interfere with red blood cell production. Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a cancer which affects the white blood cells, will have an impact on bone marrow. It attacks the lymphatic system which is a critical component of your immune system, as it protects you against infection.

If the patient is in good health despite the condition that they are suffering from, this transplant will be recommended. Recommendation for the process will be dependent on whether stem cells are available, particularly from a sibling with the same tissue type as this will minimize the chances of the body rejecting the transplant. The procedure will be carried out if the medical condition is not responding to other types of treatment. It will be performed if the risks are much lower than the benefits.

There are a few stages to the process of transplantation. Your general health will be checked by having a full physical exam done. This is extremely important as it will give an indication as to your recovery rate. The second step will be to obtain the stem cells that are required. The steps to doing this will be dependent upon where the cells are being obtained from.

The next step is to prepare your body for the procedure. Thereafter the actual procedure will be performed. And finally, there is the recovery period. During this time you will be closely monitored for any side effects or complications.

This is an intensive experience to undergo. There is a possibility that your body might reject the new stem cells. Often the medications that are administered in preparation for the operation can cause severe side effects. There are always risks of infection and the new stem cells could start attacking other areas of your body. The recovery period after the operation could be up to one year.




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