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Autoantibody analysis in chronic graft-versus-host disease
J A Holmes1, S J Livesey, A E Bedwell
1Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
Bone Marrow Transplantation
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Autoantibody formation after bone marrow transplant (BMT) appears unrelated to graft-versus-host disease. Dry eye symptoms, common post-BMT, also occur independently of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) shares clinical features with connective tissue diseases, often involving autoantibody production.
- Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) can lead to various complications, including autoimmune phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate autoantibody formation in patients following allogeneic and autologous BMT.
- To determine the association between autoantibody profiles, cGVHD, and the development of Sjögren-like syndrome post-BMT.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of autoantibodies in 19 allogeneic and 16 autologous BMT patients.
- Ophthalmic examinations to assess for Sjögren-like syndrome (dry eyes).
Main Results:
- The most frequent autoantibody detected was IgM anti-cytoplasmic factor (ACF), found in 37% of allogeneic and 20% of autologous BMT patients.
- ACF was of a type not typically observed in connective tissue diseases, and its antigen remains unidentified.
- Sjögren-like syndrome was observed in 47% of allogeneic and 20% of autologous BMT patients.
Conclusions:
- Autoantibody formation post-BMT is likely independent of the graft-versus-host process.
- The development of dry eyes after BMT is not exclusive to cGVHD and may occur in both autologous and allogeneic transplant recipients.