Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome in Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

Purpose/Objectives: To provide a comprehensive review of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) in patients receiving a hematopoietic stem cell transplant and to describe the implications for nursing care.

Data Sources: Published research articles, reviews, case reports, and books.

Data Synthesis: Disagreement exists regarding the precise cause of HSOS. Prevention and treatment strategies have emerged based on these causative theories. Few published resources are available for nursing assessment and intervention specific to HSOS, although symptom management strategies derived from other disease etiologies can be used successfully.

Conclusions: HSOS is a complex consequence of myeloablative chemoradiotherapy. Although the overall incidence is declining, research continues to explore better methods for prophylaxis and develop more efficacious treatment options.

Implications for Nursing: Nurses caring for patients receiving a hematopoietic stem cell transplant must comprehend the proposed etiologies for HSOS and be familiar with the manifestations of the syndrome. Symptom management requires a thorough understanding of affected organ systems.