Acute graft-versus-host disease after pediatric solid organ transplant

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a rare and life threatening complication after solid organ transplantation. The diagnosis can be made with clinical and laboratory evidence of skin, liver, or intestinal involvement. The role of skin biopsy in confirming acute GVHD is debatable. However, it is proposed that the skin biopsy is a valuable tool in confirming the diagnosis in low prior probability settings. An atypical case of acute GVHD following orthotopic liver and small bowel transplantation in a 2-year-old male is presented. Seven weeks posttransplantation, the patient developed a bullous eruption limited to the buttocks and upper thighs. A skin biopsy was performed which showed interface dermatitis and epidermal necrosis consistent with acute GVHD. Prompt treatment with daclizumab and intravenous corticosteroids was given and the patient survived without evidence of systemic GVHD. This case highlights the importance of skin biopsy in establishing the prompt diagnosis of GVHD in low prior probability settings.