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[Clinical characteristics and evaluation of risk in the graft versus host reaction following transfusion]
Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a well recognized entity following bone marrow transplantation. Similar syndromes have been described after blood product transfusions, notably in patients with primary immunodeficiency syndromes and in patients with malignancies associated with immune deficiency or under immunosuppressive treatment. Review of the literature shows that posttransfusion GVHD is characterized by maculopapular skin rash, gastro-intestinal symptoms, liver disease, severe pancytopenia and, in some cases, hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. The time to onset and the duration of the disease are short (10 days) and the mortality approaches 90%. The clinical features of this rare disorder are presented in the hope that, with increased awareness of this complication, clinicians will take preventive measures in patients at risk because no satisfactory therapy yet exists.
Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a well recognized entity following bone marrow transplantation. Similar syndromes have been described after blood product transfusions, notably in patients with primary immunodeficiency syndromes and in patients with malignancies associated with immune deficiency or under immunosuppressive treatment. Review of the literature shows that posttransfusion GVHD is characterized by maculopapular skin rash, gastro-intestinal symptoms, liver disease, severe pancytopenia and, in some cases, hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. The time to onset and the duration of the disease are short (10 days) and the mortality approaches 90%. The clinical features of this rare disorder are presented in the hope that, with increased awareness of this complication, clinicians will take preventive measures in patients at risk because no satisfactory therapy yet exists.