Bloodindex - Blood diseases and disorders - Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD)

Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD)

Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD)

The immune system is the body's tool to fight infection. It works by seeing harm-ful cells as "foreign" and attacking them. When you receive a donor's stem cells (the "graft"), their job is to recreate the donor's immune system in your body (the "host")

Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is the term used when this new immune system attacks your body. Your donor's cells see your body as "foreign" and attack it--causing damage.

GVHD most commonly affects the following

skin
liver
gastrointestinal (GI) tract

How long can GVHD last ?

GVHD can be acute or chronic. Acute GVHD usually occurs within the first 100 days after your transplant. Chronic GVHD develops after the first 100 days of transplant. Chronic GVHD can reoc-cur for several years after transplant

Preventing GVHD

There is nothing you can do to prevent GVHD. However, skin GVHD can be triggered and worsened by sun exposure. Wearing a hat, long sleeves, long pants, and sunscreen will help to control skin GVHD caused by sun damage. Avoiding sun exposure is the best prevention.

GVHD cannot be predicted, but depending on the type of stem cell transplant you received, your doctor may place you on immunosuppressive medications (medications that decrease the immune system's ability to fight infections) to lessen GVHD.

Medications such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and sirolimus, suppress the immune system to lessen harmful GVHD. You may be required to take these medications for several months after your transplant.

Note : It is important to take these medications as prescribed and to report any side effects.

Signs and symptoms of GVHD

Skin GVHD
- red rash
- itching
- darkening of skin
Liver GVHD
- elevated liver tests
- yellow color to the skin and whites of the eyes
- abdominal pain (later symptom) Gastrointestinal (GI) GVHD
- watery diarrhea
- stomach cramping (especially before and during bowel movements, and after eating)
- persistent nausea

Diagnose

Diagnosis is based on symptoms, laboratory results, and tissue biopsies. Diagnosis of GVHD is difficult because early symptoms are often the same as other side effects and complications after transplant.

Note : It is important that you report any changes in your skin or bowel patterns to your health care provider.

Treatment for GVHD

Treatment aims at decreasing the donor's immune reaction against your body. You will be given immunosuppressive medication to decrease this reaction. Steroids, such as prednisone and methylprednisolone, are first-line treatments for GVHD. But steroids weaken your immune system and ability to fight infection. So depending on how severe your GVDH is, your doctor may want you to be admitted to the hospital for treatment.

Manage symptoms of GVHD

When your doctor makes your treatment plan, there will be things you can do to help manage GVHD.

Skin care
- Avoid scratching.
- Use moisturizing lotion. Avoid perfumed lotions.
- Avoid hot showers.
- Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
- Wear long sleeves and pants.
Diarrhea
- Follow the diet prescribed by your doctor and dietitian to prevent worsening diarrhea.
- Avoid spicy foods.
- To avoid skin problems (such as irritation) around your rectal area, it is very important to keep this area clean. Cleanse this area well after each episode of diarrhea. contact healthcare provider if this area gets red, cracked, painful, or infected.

Preventing infection

Wash your hands often.
Stay away from sick family members and friends.
Your doctor may ask you to wear a mask.
Notify your doctor if you have fevers, chills, or redness/pain at your catheter site.