Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Transfusion-associated graft versus host disease
Introduction
Template:DiseaseDisorder infobox
Overview
Overview
Transfusion-associated graft versus host disease (TA-GvHD) is a rare complication of blood transfusion, in which the donor T lymphocytes mount an immune response against the recipient’s lymphoid tissue. Donor lymphocytes are usually identified as foreign and destroyed by the recipient’s immune system. However, in situations where the recipient is immunocompromised (inborn immunodeficiency, acquired immunodeficiency, malignancy), or when the donor is homozygous and the recipient is heterozygous for an HLA haplotype (as can occur in directed donations from first-degree relatives), the recipient’s immune system is not able to destroy the donor lymphocytes. This can result in graft versus host disease.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Historical Perspective
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Classification
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Pathophysiology
Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
Overview
Pathophysiology
Transfusion-associated graft versus host disease (TA-GvHD) is a rare complication of blood transfusion, in which the donor T lymphocytes mount an immune response against the recipient’s lymphoid tissue. Donor lymphocytes are usually identified as foreign and destroyed by the recipient’s immune system. However, in situations where the recipient is immunocompromised (inborn immunodeficiency, acquired immunodeficiency, malignancy), or when the donor is homozygous and the recipient is heterozygous for an HLA haplotype (as can occur in directed donations from first-degree relatives), the recipient’s immune system is not able to destroy the donor lymphocytes. This can result in graft versus host disease.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Causes
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Differentiating Transfusion-associated graft versus host disease from other Diseases
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Epidemiology and Demographics
Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
Overview
Epidemiology and Demographics
The incidence in immunocompromised patients receiving blood transfusions is estimated to be 0.1 – 1.0%, mortality around 80 – 90%. Mortality is higher in TA-GvHD than in GvHD associated with bone marrow transplantation, where the engrafted lymphoid cells in the bone marrow are of donor origin; therefore, the immune reaction is not directed against them.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Risk Factors
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Screening
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
Overview
Complications
The most common cause of death in TA-GvHD is aplastic anemia.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Biomarker Panel | Chest X Ray | HLA Analysis | Skin Punch Biopsy | Ultrasound | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]