[Acute graft versus host disease: a retrospective analysis of 55 bone marrow transplant patients]

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in long-term survivors of allogenic stem cell transplantation. This retrospective study describes the problems occurring in stem cell transplanted patients. Data were collected from medical and nursing records of the 55 patients admitted to the Stem Cell transplant ward of Careggi Hospital, and affected by GVHD from December 1991 to October 2000. Fifty per cent of the patients had skin problems and 24 gastrointestinal problems. The mean duration of the GVHD is 19 days. Many patients exhibit behaviours of intense anxiety, depression and restlessness. The results are comparable with data published in the most recent literature and show the complexity and severity of the GVHD. The patients affected require high levels of care therefore the nurse performs a pivotal role in symptoms monitoring and care.