Prevalence and clinical significance of potential drug–drug interaction in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are at risk of developing potential drug–drug interactions (PDDIs). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of PDDIs that occur in HSCT patients on the day of hematopoietic stem cell infusion. We performed a cross-sectional study based on the evaluation of prescriptions to HSCT patients on the day of infusion (day 0). The PDDIs were analyzed using the DRUG-REAX ® system and classified according to the severity level, available scientific evidence, time of onset, and potential clinical impact. Forty patients undergoing HSCT were included in this study; 33 patients (82.5 %) were exposed to at least one major and one contraindicated PDDI in a concomitant manner. All patients exposed to PDDIs had an increased risk of cardiotoxicity. Most cases of PDDIs were classified as being of major severity (80.9 %), with time of onset not specified (61.9 %), and with good or excellent scientific evidence (52.4 %). HSCT patients have a high prevalence of clinically significant PDDIs. The management of PDDIs requires an approach that includes biochemical tests, installation of cardiac monitors, periodic electrocardiograms, implementation of electronic prescriptions with a PDDI alert system, and availability of the PDDI databases.