Fractionated infusions of cryopreserved stem cells may prevent DMSO-induced major cardiac complications in graft recipients.

The amount of transfused dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is indicated as the major cause of the cryoprotectant-related toxicity in autologous stem cell recipients, with a high incidence of major cardiac side effects. In this study we tried to discover whether fractionated infusion of the total graft volume could prevent the DMSO-related major cardiovascular side effects. We conclude that continuous cardiac monitoring during and after fractionated infusions of DMSO-containing graft documented no major arrhythmias, with only seven episodes of asymptomatic sinus bradycardia.