Excellent outcomes in children after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hepatitis‐associated aplastic anaemia following liver transplantation

Hepatitis-associated aplastic anaemia is a rare entity that can sometimes be life-threatening due to its rapid progression to liver failure, necessitating an urgent liver transplantation (LT). Treating severe aplastic anaemia following an LT can be very challenging. While immunosuppressive therapy (IST) has been reported to have some success, the vulnerable state of these patients in addition to the time taken for IST to work makes this a less suitable option for the majority of patients. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with matched related donors has been reported as a curative option; there has been less success using alternate donors. Here, we present our experience of predominantly alternate donor HSCT following liver transplantation in an extremely high-risk group of 10 children. Overall survival was 90% at a median of 38 months post-LT. Surviving children have normal blood counts, normal liver function and performance status. No liver-related complications or significant graft versus host disease were encountered. Multiple infective and non-infective post-HSCT complications were successfully treated with excellent multidisciplinary input. Upfront HSCT, even with alternate donors, can be lifesaving if performed in a timely manner, following close liaison between liver transplantation and HSCT teams and with the appropriate multidisciplinary support.