HSCT-TMA
Haematopoietic stem cell transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy
Download Fact SheetWhat are TMAs?
Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) are a group of severe and potentially life-threatening rare disorders that cause blood clots and damage to the walls of the smallest blood vessels (capillaries and small arteries) in the circulatory system. The blood clots can cause injury to organs that may lead to organ failure and death.1
In some cases, overactivation or dysregulation of the complement system can drive or worsen development of TMA. This overactivation fuels an attack on organs and cells in the body, including endothelial cells that line blood vessels.1
What is HSCT-TMA?
HSCT-TMA is a rare, severe and potentially life-threatening type of TMA that occurs following HSCT, a procedure to treat some types of cancers and other diseases.6
It is thought that factors associated with HSCT (including conditioning regimens, immunosuppressant therapies, infection and other complications) induce overactivation and/or dysregulation of the complement system, driving HSCT-TMA.6
Signs, symptoms and complications of TMA include:
References.2-5
Red blood cell abnormalities
[i.e., anemia, fragmented red cells (schistocytes)]
Thrombosis (blood clots)
Organ damage, including kidneys, brain and heart
Confusion
Shortness of breath
High blood pressure
Fatigue
References
- Brocklebank V, et al. Thrombotic microangiopathy and the kidney. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2018;13:300-317.
- Raina R, et al. Atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome: an update on pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Ther Apher Dial. 2019;23(1):4-21.
- Sallée M, et al. Myocardial infarction is a complication of factor H-associated atypical HUS. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2010;25(6):2028-2032
- Laurence J, et al. Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS): essential aspects of an accurate diagnosis. Clin Adv Hematol Oncol. 2016;11(11):2-15.
- Vorobev A, et al. The phenomenon of thrombotic microangiopathy in cancer patients. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024;25(16):9055.
- Meri S, et al. The role of complements in HSCT-TMA: basic science to clinical practice. Adv Ther. 2022;39(9):3896-3915.
Veeva ID: GL/UNB-HSCT-TMA/0001