Graft vs Host Disease (GVHD) is a complex medical condition that can occur after a hematopoietic stem cell or bone marrow transplant. It is a potentially serious complication where the donor immune cells attack the recipient's tissues, leading to inflammation and damage.
In GVHD, the donor's immune cells (graft) recognize the recipient's cells (host) as foreign and mount an immune response against them. This immune response is triggered by differences in the human leukocyte antigens (HLA) between the donor and recipient. These differences can stimulate the donor immune cells to attack the recipient's skin, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and other organs.
There are two main types of GVHD - acute and chronic. Acute GVHD typically occurs within the first 100 days after transplantation and presents with symptoms such as skin rash, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and liver abnormalities. Chronic GVHD often develops after the acute phase and can affect multiple organs, leading to long-term complications.
Treatment for GVHD typically involves immunosuppressive medications to inhibit the donor immune response and reduce inflammation. In severe cases, additional therapies may be required to target specific organs affected by GVHD.
Prevention strategies, such as careful matching of HLA between donor and recipient, as well as adequate monitoring and management of GVHD symptoms, are crucial to minimize the risks and improve outcomes for transplant recipients.
Overall, GVHD is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the donor's immune cells attack the recipient's tissues after a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. Timely detection and appropriate management are essential for optimal patient outcomes.
