Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD) is a medical condition that occurs following a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, where the donor's immune cells recognize the recipient's body as foreign and mount an immune response against it. This immune response can lead to inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues, causing a range of signs and symptoms.
GVHD typically presents as an acute or chronic condition, with acute GVHD occurring within the first 100 days after transplantation and chronic GVHD developing later. Acute GVHD commonly affects the skin, liver, and gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms such as rash, jaundice, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Chronic GVHD may involve various organs and can lead to long-term complications such as skin thickening, dryness, lung problems, joint pain, and eye abnormalities.
The development of GVHD is primarily driven by the presence of immune cells called T lymphocytes from the donor, which recognize the differences between the recipient's tissues and their own. These T lymphocytes attack and damage the recipient's cells and tissues, leading to the characteristic symptoms of GVHD.
Management of GVHD involves a combination of immunosuppressive medications to suppress the donor's immune response and supportive care to address the specific organ systems affected. Treatment outcomes vary depending on the severity and type of GVHD, with a significant impact on overall transplant success rates.
In summary, Graft vs. Host Disease is an immune-mediated condition that occurs after a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, where the donor's immune cells attack the recipient's cells and tissues. It can result in inflammation and damage to various organs, requiring medical intervention and subsequent management.
