Nursing of acute graft-versus-host disease after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: a case series study

This paper aimed to summarize our experience in the nursing of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK).

We retrospectively collected and analyzed the demographic characteristics, preoperative evaluation, donor evaluation, screening, and surgical methods of patients with aGVHD after SPK in our center from September 2016 to September 2019.

One patient developed intractable diarrhea with decline in platelet (PLT), white blood cell (WBC), and red blood cell (RBC) counts. Meanwhile, the other two patients experienced facial and trunk rashes, hepatic impairment, as well as decreased PLT, WBC, and RBC counts. We took the following nursing interventions: establishing an intensive care team and close monitoring of changes in the condition; protective isolation to minimize exogenous infections; nursing of pulmonary infections; and nutritional support. However, despite careful treatment and nursing, the conditions of the three patients subsequently worsened rapidly and became uncontrollable, and all died.

aGVHD is extremely rare after SPK, and no literature exists concerning nursing care or management related to this condition. Clinical manifestations and histopathology are helpful for diagnosis; however, treatment outcomes might be unsatisfactory and the prognosis is poor. Early detection, diagnosis, and intervention have a positive impact on the prognosis of aGVHD, and proper nursing can benefit patients.