What are the risks for the stem cell donor?
Bone marrow donation is a surgical procedure. There is minimal risk involved. Serious complications are rare but could include anesthesia reactions, infection, transfusion reactions, or injury at the needle insertion sites. With a marrow donation, donors can expect to feel some soreness in the lower back for several days or longer following the donation. Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donors may experience bone pain, muscle pain, nausea, insomnia and fatigue while receiving injections of Filgrastim. Bone pain and headaches have been the two most frequently reported symptoms. These effects disappear promptly when the collection is complete. During the apheresis procedure some donors experience a tingling feeling from the anticoagulant used to keep the cells from clotting. Others experience chills. These effects are relieved after the donation is complete.
