[Sinusoidal obstruction disease (SOS), previous hepatic venoocclusive disease (VOD)--still serious complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation].

Hepatic venocclusive disease (VOD) lastly named sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is a serious toxicity associated with high dose therapy used to prepare patients for stem cell transplantation. A sizable proportion of patients who develop VOD/SOS die. It is clear that injury to endothelial cells and hepatocytes in zone 3 of the liver acinus is the initial event in the pathogenesis of VOD/SOS. Although clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria are well known, the cause of VOD/SOS, its prevention and treatment remain still unclear. Currently treatment of VOD/SOS has largely consisted of supportive measures designed to maintain intravascular volume and decrease interstitial edema. Other treatments used with various measures of success have included substitution of antitrombine and glutamine or aggressive fibrinolitic and antithrombotic therapy. Despite these treatments, the outcome remains fairly dismal.