Graft vs. Host Disease

Graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) is a common side effect of allogeneic transplants. GVHD occurs when the transplanted donor cells recognize the patient’s tissue as foreign and attack the tissue. This can cause a variety of problems, including skin rashes, liver function abnormalities, and diarrhea.

If you have GVHD, you will need to take medications to suppress your immune system and prevent these problems. In addition to the instructions given by your doctor, consult the “Patient & Caregiver Resource Manual” for information on diet guidelines while you are taking these drugs.

Sometimes transplant recipients develop symptoms of GVHD after they return home, even years after transplant. Contact the Long-Term Follow-Up team at (206) 667-4415 if you develop problems such as dry and scaly skin, dry eyes or mouth, mouth lesions, weight loss, fatigue or bacterial infections. Your “Patient & Caregiver Resource Manual” contains a detailed list of physical changes that you should report to your doctor.

• What is a Bone Marrow Transplant?
• Types of Transplants
• BMT Definitions

April 2007