graftversushostilmiö

Graft-versus-host disease, often abbreviated as GvHD, is a rare but serious complication that can occur after a stem cell transplant, particularly allogeneic transplants where the stem cells come from a donor. It arises when the donor's immune cells, present in the transplanted stem cells, recognize the recipient's body as foreign. These donor immune cells, now referred to as the graft, then attack the recipient's tissues and organs, known as the host. This immune response can manifest in various parts of the body, including the skin, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs.

The severity of GvHD can range from mild, with symptoms like a skin rash, to life-threatening, affecting multiple organ systems. Symptoms can appear acutely within the first 100 days after transplant, or chronically, developing months or even years later. Acute GvHD typically affects the skin, liver, and intestines, while chronic GvHD can involve a wider range of organs and present with symptoms such as dry eyes, mouth sores, or difficulty breathing.

The risk of developing GvHD is influenced by several factors, including the degree of genetic similarity between the donor and recipient, the type of transplant, and the conditioning regimen used before the transplant. Medical professionals employ strategies to minimize this risk, such as using closely matched donors and administering immunosuppressive medications to dampen the donor's immune response. Management of GvHD involves ongoing monitoring and treatment with immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, or other targeted therapies depending on the severity and affected organs.