Graft-versus-host disease

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Antibodies

GVHD

Treatment consists of suppressing the immune response, but doing so without damaging the new marrow. Immune suppressants often used to treat cancer are also carefully used in decreased dosages to suppress or prevent graft-versus-host disease.

Treatment of acute GVHD includes:

• High-dose corticosteroids
• Antibodies to T cells are a second-line option

The outcome varies. Sometimes treatment of the condition can lead to severe complications.

• Moderate-to-severe damage to the liver, lung, or gastrointestinal tract
• Severe infection

As a rule, people with bone marrow grafts are very closely monitored. However, if any of the above symptoms appear, call your health care provider immediately.

Review Date: 06/03/2005
Reviewed By: Thomas A. Owens, M.D., Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.