Clinical correlation between plasma biomarker levels and post-transplant complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the correlation between plasma biomarker levels and post-transplant complications of allo-HSCT in children. The biomarkers analyzed were sST2, REG3α, TNFR1, IL-6, and IL-8.

METHODS

From January 1, 2019 to October 30, 2024, specimens from 157 patients were collected at aGVHD onset or when aGVHD was clinically presumed to be likely to occur.

RESULTS

Patients with aGVHD and intestinal aGVHD had significantly elevated sST2 levels. Patients with grade III/IV aGVHD had significantly higher sST2 and REG3α levels than patients with grade I/II aGVHD. OS and NRM differed significantly between patients with high sST2 and REG3α indexes (sST2 ≥ 124,090 pg/ml and REG3α ≥ 17,176 pg/ml) and those with low sST2 and REG3α indexes (P < 0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that aGVHD, SOS, and TA-TMA were correlated with elevated sST2 and REG3α levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that grade III/IV aGVHD was significantly associated with elevated sST2 and REG3α levels (each P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated sST2 and REG3α can reflect the occurrence and severity of aGVHD. Acute GVHD, SOS, and TA-TMA can all lead to fluctuations in sST2 and REG3α levels, and warrant further study.