graft-versus-host disease
Also written as: GVHD — graft-versus-host disease
A potentially life-threatening complication following bone marrow or stem cell transplantation where donor cells attack recipient tissues.
Full Definition
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in which donor immune cells recognize the recipient's tissues as foreign and mount an immune response against them. GVHD can be acute (occurring within 100 days of transplant) or chronic (occurring after 100 days), affecting skin, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs. While GVHD can be severe, mild graft-versus-host effects may also provide beneficial graft-versus-leukemia activity.
Usage
Usage note: Always use hyphens in the full term; GVHD abbreviation acceptable after first use; distinguish from graft-versus-leukemia effect.
In Context
- "The patient developed acute graft-versus-host disease affecting the skin and liver." — Post-transplant follow-up note
- "Chronic GVHD prophylaxis included methotrexate and tacrolimus." — Transplant protocol