Graft Versus Host Disease

Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) is a serious complication of allogeneic stem cell, bone marrow, or organ transplants, where the new transplanted cells attack the recipient’s body. It is a complex disorder caused by donor cells reacting against the recipient’s tissues. GVHD can affect any organ or body system, with symptoms varying depending on the body part targeted by the donor cells.

Symptoms of Graft Versus Host Disease

Common symptoms of GVHD include a rash, redness, and itching of the skin; joint pain and swelling; mouth sores; liver inflammation; abdominal pain; nausea; and diarrhea.

Causes of Graft Versus Host Disease

GVHD occurs when the donor cells attack the recipient’s body. This happens when the recipient’s immune system recognizes the donor cells as foreign and mounts an immune response with the goal of eliminating the perceived threat.

Risk Factors of Graft Versus Host Disease

Risk factors of GVHD include age, the type and number of donor cells transplanted, and the condition of the recipient’s immune system.

Prevention

Treatment strategies for GVHD focus on reducing the damage done by the donor cells and strengthening the recipient’s own immune system. This includes suppressing the donor cells, administering medications to reduce the recipient’s immune system’s response, and providing supportive care to care for any symptoms and organs affected by GVHD.

Treatments

Immunosuppressants: This helps to reduce the donor cells’ activity and ability to damage the recipient.
Cytokines: Medications that help to reduce the recipient’s immune response against the donor cells.
Nutritional Support: Nutritional support to strengthen the recipient and help reduce the side effects of GVHD.
Plasma Exchange: The exchange of donor and recipient’s plasma helps to reduce the GVHD symptoms and improve the patient’s health.