Definition of bone marrow:

Bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside bones that produces and stores most of the body's blood cells and immune cells.

Definition of stem cells:

Stem cells are the first cells produced by the bone marrow, and these cells rapidly develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Function of bone marrow:

1. Production of blood components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
2. Storage of fats, which can be converted into energy when needed by the body.

Components of bone marrow:

• Red blood cells: responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
• White blood cells: responsible for defending the body.
• Platelets: help prevent blood clotting.
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Reasons for bone marrow transplantation:

Patients with diseases that cause bone marrow failure in producing blood cells.

And these diseases can be both cancerous and noncancerous such as:

• Sickle cell anemia (a disorder in producing red blood cells).
• Leukemia (cancer of the blood).
• Bone marrow failure syndrome.
• Thalassemia (low red blood cell count).

Conditions for bone marrow donation:

• The donor must be over 18 years old.
• Tissue matching between the donor and the patient.
• The donor must be free from any infectious diseases.
• The donor must be in generally good health to allow donation.

How is bone marrow donated?

Two types of bone marrow donation:

1. Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donation: this procedure involves the removal of stem cells through a vein, which takes about 3-4 hours. The donor is fully conscious and may experience some headache, which gradually subsides after 1-2 days after donation.
2. Bone marrow donation: this is a surgical procedure where the donor is given anesthesia to prevent pain. In this method, a needle is inserted into the back of the pelvic bone. The procedure usually takes 30-40 minutes, and the donor will stay in the hospital for a day. The donor can return to their normal health within 2-3 days.

Important guidelines for bone marrow donors:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• It is recommended to rest for two days to a week if necessary.
• Avoid strenuous exercise.
• In most cases, the donor can leave the hospital after a few hours of the procedure, or after staying in the hospital for a day.
• In case of complications such as fatigue and exhaustion, it is important to contact the medical team.

What is bone marrow transplantation?

Bone marrow transplantation involves injecting stem cells into the patient's body through a vein, usually taking about 2 hours.

The transplantation process is not painful, and the patient will be conscious during the process.

Pre-procedure steps for bone marrow transplantation:

1. Tests and examinations to ensure the patient's health before the procedure.
2. Collection of stem cells to be transplanted into the patient's body.
3. Preparing the patient's body for the procedure.
4. Performing the bone marrow transplantation procedure.

What happens after bone marrow transplantation?

• Once the stem cells enter the body, they migrate from the blood to the bone marrow.
• The transplanted cells begin to produce new healthy cells.
• Usually, it takes several weeks for the cells to reach normal blood cell levels.
• During this period, the medical team will perform some procedures to evaluate the patient's condition.

Important guidelines for the patient after bone marrow transplantation:

• Most patients are discharged from the hospital within 1-3 weeks.
• It is important to adhere to the transplant center's appointment schedule.
• Wearing a mask is mandatory when leaving the house.
• Personal hygiene must be maintained.
• Hands should be washed regularly.
• Food should be prepared and handled hygienically to avoid food poisoning.
• Avoid contact with people who show symptoms of infectious diseases.
• Oral hygiene should be maintained by cleaning teeth regularly.

Complications of bone marrow transplantation:

• Attack of the immune system on the transplanted stem cells.
• Failure of the transplanted stem cells.
• Infection.

Facts about bone marrow donation:

• There are no risks to the bone marrow donor.
• The body replaces the donated cells within 4-6 weeks.

Prevention of diseases that can cause bone marrow failure:

• Adherence to premarital screening and seeking medical counseling to avoid genetic diseases.
• Eating a healthy and balanced diet.
• Drinking enough water.
• Exercising regularly.