Acute lung injury after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: is the lung a target of acute graft-versus-host disease?

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is an important therapeutic option for a number of malignant and nonmalignant conditions but the broader application of this treatment strategy is limited by several side effects. In particular, diffuse lung injury is a major complication of SCT that responds poorly to standard therapeutic approaches and significantly contributes to transplant-related morbidity and mortality. Historically, approximately 50% of all pneumonias seen after SCT have been secondary to infection, but the judicious use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial prophylaxis in recent years has tipped the balance of pulmonary complications from infectious to noninfectious causes. This mini review will discuss the definition, risk factors and pathogeneses of noninfectious lung injury that occurs early after allogeneic SCT.