Introduction

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is the most common complication after allogeneic HCT. It is caused by immunocompetent donor T-lymphocytes. After conventional myeloablative conditioning GvHD occurs primarily in early (acute) and late (chronic) forms. This definition has been of some practical value since the natural history and treatment of acute and chronic GvHD are different. However the introduction of reduced-intensity conditioning has meant that this traditional distinction between acute and chronic GvHD has become blurred. Patients receiving donor lymphocyte infusions may develop an "acute" form several months after transplantation and GvHD with features of the "chronic" form can occur as early as 50 days post transplant.


About this Canterbury DHB document (9067):
Document Owner:	Andrew Butler (see Who's Who)
Last Reviewed:	December 2016
Next Review:	December 2018
Keywords:
Note: Only the electronic version is controlled. Once printed, this is no longer a controlled document. Disclaimer The Haematology Department Protocols and Guidelines (the Red Book) are intended as a guide for registered health professionals to communicate guidelines and share best practices with supporting health professionals within New Zealand district health boards. They are not intended to be provided to or used as a reference for patients or non-registered health professionals. All health professionals must exercise their own clinical judgement and use pertinent clinical data when treating patients. The authors and editors of this publication have checked with sources believed to be reliable in their effort to provide information that is complete and in accord with the standards accepted at the time of publication. However, in view of the possibility of human error or changes in medical science, neither the authors, editors, publisher, nor any other party who has been involved in preparing or publishing this work warrants that the information contained in it is accurate or complete in every respect. They therefore have no liability (whether in tort (including negligence) or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising out of any reliance on this information. This publication has been compiled by the staff and contractors of Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) and as such CDHB has copyright for this book. Amendments must be authorised in accordance with the documented process. No release of part of, or all of, this publication to any other party or organisation is permissible without the prior approval of the designated document owner.
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Introduction

Acute GvHD (absence of features of chronic GvHD), comprising

Chronic GvHD