Post‐Engraftment Syndrome Following Autologous Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in a Patient With Relapsed Hodgkin Lymphoma

• Published in: Respirology case reports Vol. 13; no. 8; pp. e70321 - n/a
• Main Authors: Alghamdi, Bader J., Safhi, Maha A., Almakati, Reuof M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.08.2025; John Wiley & Sons, Inc
• Subjects: Blood; Bronchoscopy; Case Report; Chemotherapy; Creatinine; Dehydrogenases; Dyspnea; engraftment syndrome; Fever; haematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Laboratories; Lymphoma; Neutrophils; Patients; Radiation therapy; respiratory distress syndrome; Respiratory failure; Stem cell transplantation; Steroids; Tomography; Trends; Tumor necrosis factor-TNF; Vital signs; respiratory distress syndrome; haematopoietic stem cell transplantation; engraftment syndrome; lymphoma
• ISSN: 2051-3380; 2051-3380
• DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.70321

ABSTRACT Post‐engraftment syndrome (PES) is a significant and potentially life‐threatening complication of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) that presents with fever, skin rash and pulmonary involvement. Despite its clinical relevance, PES remains a diagnostic challenge and is often misidentified as an infectious process, leading to a delay in the appropriate treatment. We report the case of a 38‐year‐old man with relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency who developed severe PES following AHSCT. The patient experienced severe respiratory distress and an altered mental status, necessitating intubation and intensive care unit admission. Despite broad‐spectrum antimicrobial coverage, his condition deteriorated until intravenous corticosteroids were administered, with a subsequent remarkable clinical response. This case highlights the importance of the early recognition and appropriate management of PES. A young patient with relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma developed severe post‐engraftment syndrome (PES) following autologous stem cell transplantation. Early initiation of corticosteroids led to rapid and complete clinical recovery. This case highlights the importance of recognising PES as a potentially reversible inflammatory complication.