Chronic graft-versus-host disease and its management in children

J.M. Vossen; L. Breedeveld; J.D.J. Bakker; B. Mertens; M.H. van Weel-Sipman

doi:10.1016/S1507-1367(02)70987-5

Vol 7, No 4 (2002)

Invited paper

Published online: 2002-01-01

Submitted: 2002-07-04

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Chronic graft-versus-host disease and its management in children

J.M. Vossen, L. Breedeveld, J.D.J. Bakker, B. Mertens, M.H. van Weel-Sipman

DOI: 10.1016/S1507-1367(02)70987-5

Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2002;7(4):133-138.

Vol 7, No 4 (2002)

Invited paper

Published online: 2002-01-01

Submitted: 2002-07-04

Abstract

Chronic graft-versus-host disease is sometimes a severe, disabling and long-lasting complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Its frequency lies between 10 and 40% of pediatric graft recipients, depending on a number of risk factors. Such factors are the type, i.e. HLA-identical related or not, gender and age of the stem cell transplant donor, original diagnosis of the patient and, most importantly, the occurrence or not of a prior acute graft-verus-host disease. Chronic graft-versus-host disease manifests itself as a collagen vascular autoimmune disease. Its treatment consists of immuno-modulatory and antiinfections drugs, in addition to supportive care and psycho-social support. Medical treatment demands a tailor-made approach and careful and prolonged surveillance.