DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Hematologic Disorder

Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease (cGVHD)

HIGH SEVERITY

Major complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation where donor immune cells attack recipient tissues. Affects multiple organs including skin, eyes, mouth, liver, and lungs. Leading cause of non-relapse mortality post-transplant.

Global Affected

40.0K

Countries

15

Symptoms

Skin rash
Dry eyes
Dry mouth
Oral ulcers
Liver dysfunction
Lung problems
Joint stiffness
Gastrointestinal symptoms

Treatment Options

Systemic corticosteroids
Calcineurin inhibitors
Ibrutinib
Ruxolitinib
Extracorporeal photopheresis
Rituximab
Ursodiol

Risk Factors

1Allogeneic stem cell transplant
2HLA mismatch
3Older recipient age
4Prior acute GVHD
5Female donor to male recipient
6Unrelated donor

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Biopsy of affected organ
  • 2Pulmonary function tests
  • 3Liver function tests
  • 4Schirmer test
  • 5Oral examination
  • 6Skin examination

Prognosis

50% of allogeneic transplant recipients develop cGVHD. 5-year survival approximately 50-60%. Steroid-responsive disease has better prognosis (70% 5-year survival). Steroid-refractory disease has poor prognosis (30% 5-year survival). Major cause of late morbidity and mortality. Quality of life significantly affected.

Prevention

  • HLA-matched donor
  • T-cell depletion
  • Methotrexate + tacrolimus prophylaxis
  • Post-transplant cyclophosphamide
  • Ursodiol prophylaxis

Research Status

First-line treatment with corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors. Ibrutinib, ruxolitinib approved for steroid-refractory cGVHD. Extracorporeal photopheresis effective. Ursodiol for liver involvement. Rituximab for steroid-refractory cases.

Sources

  • https://www.hematology.org
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK5191
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.