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Graft-versus-host disease is a complication of allogeneic transplant in which donor immune cells attack recipient tissues.
Quick Answer
Graft-versus-host disease is a complication of allogeneic transplant in which donor immune cells attack recipient tissues. Dr. Sachita Baniya (NMC 20158, 8+ years of clinical experience in haematology and haemato-oncology) evaluates graft-versus-host disease (gvhd) at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center, 117 Lal Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province 44600, Nepal — evidence-based, medically reviewed.
GVHD can be acute or chronic and may affect skin, gut, liver, mouth, eyes, lungs and joints. Prevention, early recognition and prompt immunosuppressive treatment are essential. Infection risk rises with immunosuppression.
Diagnosis is clinical with biopsy support where needed. Organ staging guides treatment. Chronic GVHD is classified by the NIH consensus criteria.
Systemic corticosteroids are first-line. Steroid-refractory disease may require additional agents such as ruxolitinib, extracorporeal photopheresis or other immunosuppressants. Supportive care addresses infection prevention, nutrition, skin and eye care.
Management is individualized and discussed with benefits, limitations, and follow-up.
GVHD prophylaxis is part of every allogeneic transplant protocol. Adherence to immunosuppression and prompt reporting of symptoms are important.
Red flags — seek urgent care
Acute GVHD usually occurs within the first 100 days and affects skin, gut and liver. Chronic GVHD can occur later and affects multiple organs.
Prophylaxis with immunosuppressive drugs is standard. It reduces but does not eliminate the risk.
A graft-versus-disease effect can help control the underlying cancer, but GVHD itself is a complication that requires treatment.
Treatment duration varies. Some patients need prolonged immunosuppression, with careful tapering and infection monitoring.
Yes. Dry eyes, mouth sores and oral sensitivity are common in chronic GVHD and need supportive care.
Immunosuppression increases the risk of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Prophylaxis and prompt fever review are essential.
Yes. Bronchiolitis obliterans is a serious chronic GVHD manifestation and requires pulmonary assessment.
Regular organ assessment, medication review, infection surveillance and rehabilitation.
Donor stem cell transplant for selected high-risk blood cancers and marrow failure.
Recognition and management of acute and chronic GVHD after allogeneic transplant.
Long-term follow-up after blood cancer treatment and transplantation.
Acute myeloid leukemia is a cancer of immature myeloid cells that builds up in the bone marrow and stops normal blood production.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a group of lymphoid cancers that includes indolent and aggressive subtypes.
Aplastic anaemia is a bone marrow failure disorder causing low red cells, white cells and platelets.
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Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-11-10
Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.
Doctor — medically reviewed
Dr. Sachita Baniya
Consultant Haemato-Oncologist & Clinical Hematologist • MBBS, FCPS (Clinical Haematology) • NMC 20158
This condition guide was medically reviewed by Dr. Sachita Baniya.
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