graft-versus-host disease (redirected from Graft versus host)

graft-versus-host disease

n.

A type of incompatibility reaction of transplanted cells against host tissues that possess an antigen not possessed by the donor. Also called graft-versus-host reaction.

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graft-versus-host disease

a condition that occurs when immunologically competent cells or their precursors are transplanted into an immunologically incompetent recipient (host) that is not histocompatible with the donor. Because the host is immunodeficient, the graft is not rejected. Immunocompetent T lymphocytes present in the donor tissue are activated and recognize the recipient's tissue as 'foreign' and react to them, producing clinical manifestations including edema, erythema, ulceration, loss of hair, and heart and joint lesions similar to those occurring in connective tissue disorders. Called also GVH disease or reaction, runting syndrome.

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graft-versus-host disease Clinical immunology A reaction of donated BM against a Pt's own tissue, which is a major cause of M&M in allograft BMTs; GVHD is less significant in transplanted kidneys, heart, liver, and skin; viable donor T cells react immunologically against host Clinical Fever, morbiliform rash–central erythematous maculopapular eruption that may spread to the extremities with bulla formation, anorexia, N&V, severe watery or bloody diarrhea, lymphadenopathy, infections, hepatosplenomegaly, ↑ LFTs, jaundice, hemolytic anemia Prevention Irradiation of donated blood may prevent active leukocytes from rejecting recipient tissues Prophylaxis Cyclosporin, MTX, tacrolimus Treatment¹⁄₂ of Pts who develop post-BMT GVHD respond to high-dose steroids. See Bone marrow transplantation, Rapamycin, Tacrolimus, Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease.