GvHD is a condition that can occur after someone has a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. In this condition, the transplanted cells attack the patient’s healthy cells. GvHD can be mild, moderate, or severe. It can happen soon after the transplant (acute GvHD) or weeks to months later (chronic GvHD).
The main symptoms of acute GvHD are skin rash and diarrhea. The skin may be itchy and have a red, blistering rash. Diarrhea may be watery and contain blood. These symptoms usually start within 2 to 4 weeks after the transplant. Chronic GvHD often causes dryness of the mouth, eyes, and skin; joint pain; fatigue; and liver problems. Symptoms of chronic GvHD usually start more than 3 months after the transplant but can begin earlier.
Graft-versus-host disease occurs when the immune cells in the donated tissue recognize your body as foreign and attack it — which is what happens when you have an allergic reaction to something like poison ivy or pollen. But unlike an allergy, which goes away once you’re no longer exposed to the allergen, graft-versus-host disease is a long-term problem that needs treatment because it won’t go away on its own.
There are two types of graft-versus-host disease: acute and chronic . Acute graft-versus-host disease usually starts within two to four weeks after a stem cell transplantation or bone marrow transplant . The first signs are often a general feeling of being ill followed by fever , chills , fatigue , low blood pressure ,and nausea . Skin rashes are also common with itching being one of the most distressing symptoms . The diarrhea associated with acute graft versus host disease can lead to dehydration very quickly so it’s important to get medical help right away if you develop these symptoms .
Chronic graft versus host disease develops much more slowly than acute graft versus host disease—usually three months or more after stem cell transplantation but sometimes sooner . By definition ,it lasts for more than 100 days . Fatigue continues to be one of the most common symptoms as well as joint pain ,dry mouth and eyes ,skin problems such as rashes thinning hair ,and changes in nails . Some people also have trouble digesting food properly leading to weight loss despite having a good appetite . There may also be problems with sexual function in both men and women due difficulties with vaginal dryness in women and erectile dysfunction in men . As with acute graft versus host disease ,chronic grafted illness also puts people at risk for infection because their immune systems are not working properly
Treatment for both types ofgraft versus hosptial diseases typically involves immunosuppressive drugs given intravenously (through vein) daily for several months along with close monitoring by doctors