Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease

Transfusion-associated graft versus host disease (TA-GVHD) is a fatal complication of transfusion of blood products that usually affects immunocompromised patients. Herein, we present our experience with a diabetic patient who had undergone cardiopulmonary bypass and developed TA-GVHD. The chronological order of events observed were fresh whole-blood transfusion from relatives, fever, rash, liver dysfunction, and pancytopenia. Skin biopsies demonstrated GVHD involvement. The patient died within 3 weeks after the transfusions despite prompt treatment. GVHD must be considered in the differential diagnosis if a patient with a recent transfusion history admits with fever, skin rash, abnormal liver function tests, and pancytopenia.