Pediatric bone marrow transplantation update.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To review the diseases of childhood for which bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is an accepted treatment modality.

DATA SOURCES

Book chapters, journal articles.

DATA SYNTHESIS

BMT is used to treat a wide variety of nonmalignant and malignant childhood conditions. Despite treatment successes, BMT and its complications present a serious threat to children and a challenge for care providers. Identification of suitable donors is an ongoing concern.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute and chronic/long-term effects of BMT are many and varied. Care of children and their families is ongoing and critical to achieving quality of life following successful transplantation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

In addition to the intensive care required by BMT, nurses must be knowledgeable about normal growth and development and encourage each child to achieve his or her full potential.