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Posttransfusion graft-versus-host disease in two immunocompetent patients
1Department of Dermatology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, New York, NY 10022.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) can occur after blood transfusions, even in immunocompetent individuals. Irradiating blood products from first-degree relatives is crucial for preventing fatal GVHD.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a known complication following blood transfusions, typically observed in immunocompromised recipients.
- The disease manifests with symptoms including fever, skin rash, gastrointestinal issues, liver dysfunction, and bone marrow aplasia.
Observation:
- This report details two fatal cases of GVHD in immunocompetent patients.
- Both patients received non-irradiated blood transfusions from their children during surgical procedures.
Findings:
- These cases highlight that GVHD can occur in immunocompetent individuals under specific transfusion circumstances.
- Transfusions from first-degree relatives, even when the recipient is not immunocompromised, pose a risk.
Implications:
- Irradiation of blood products is essential to prevent transfusion-associated GVHD, particularly when transfusions are from first-degree relatives.
- This underscores the need for universal precautions regarding blood product irradiation in specific familial transfusion scenarios.