# Impact of Iron Overload and Hypomagnesemia Combination on Pediatric Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Outcomes

## TL;DR

This study finds that low magnesium levels and iron overload together worsen outcomes in children undergoing stem cell transplants, suggesting early treatment could help.

## Contribution

The study is the first to explore the combined impact of hypomagnesemia and iron overload on pediatric stem cell transplant outcomes.

## Key findings

- Low magnesium levels correlate with delayed immune recovery and increased acute GVHD risk.
- Iron overload worsens magnesium deficiency and increases mortality risk.
- Combined hypomagnesemia and iron overload significantly increase immune dysfunction and early mortality.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is complicated by iron overload and hypomagnesemia, both contributing to immune dysfunction and post-transplant morbidity. The combined impact of these metabolic disturbances on pediatric allo-HSCT outcomes remains unexplored. This study aims to determine whether hypomagnesemia can serve as a prognostic biomarker for delayed immune reconstitution and explores its interplay with iron overload in predicting post-transplant complications and survival outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 163 pediatric allo-HSCT recipients. Serum magnesium levels were measured at defined intervals post-transplant, and outcomes were correlated with CD4+ T cell recovery, time to engraftment, incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and survival within 12 months. Iron status, including siderosis severity, was evaluated using imaging and laboratory parameters obtained from clinical records. Results: Patients who died within 12 months post-transplant exhibited significantly lower magnesium levels. Hypomagnesemia was associated with delayed CD4+ T cell recovery, prolonged engraftment, and an increased risk of acute GVHD. A strong inverse correlation was observed between magnesium levels and the severity of siderosis. Iron overload appeared to exacerbate magnesium deficiency. Additionally, the coexistence of hypomagnesemia and siderosis significantly increased the risk of immune dysfunction and early mortality. No significant association was found with chronic GVHD. Conclusions: Hypomagnesemia is a significant, early predictor of poor outcomes in pediatric allo-HSCT, particularly in the context of iron overload, underscoring the need for early intervention, including iron chelation and MRI, to improve outcomes.