graft-versus-host disease

graft-versus-host disease A complication of bone marrow transplants in which the donor bone marrow attacks the host’s organs and tissues. Abbreviated GVHD. GVHD is seen in cases where the blood marrow donor is unrelated to the patient or when the donor is related to the patient, but is not a perfect match. There are two forms of GVHD: acute GVHD and chronic GVHD. Both types can vary in the severity of the symptoms. Acute GVHD typically occurs within the first 3 months after a transplant and can affect the skin, liver, stomach, and/or intestines. Chronic GVHD typically occurs 2 to 3 months after the transplant and causes symptoms similar to those of autoimmune disorders such as lupus and scleroderma. Patients may develop a skin rash, hair loss, dry eyes and mouth, liver damage, and almost any organ can be affected by chronic GVHD. Preventive measures include immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine and methotrexate as well as techniques to deplete the donor marrow of the T cells that cause GVHD. Severe GVHD is usually treated with steroids and sometimes a drug called antithymocyte globulin.