Cutaneous Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment
Open Access
- 27 June 2017
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in American Journal of Clinical Dermatology
- Vol. 19 (1), 33-50
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0306-9
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is an immunological reaction and a frequent complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It is associated with high mortality rates and may have a significant negative impact on the patient’s quality of life, particularly in the chronic-stage setting. Many different organs can be involved, which leads to a wide range of clinical manifestations. In this context, dermatologists play a key role by diagnosing and treating GVHD from the outset since cutaneous features are not just the most common but are also usually the presenting sign. Several skin-direct therapies are available and may be indicated as monotherapy or adjuvant treatment in order to allow faster tapering and withdrawal of systemic immunosuppression. Treatment of steroid-refractory patients remains a challenge and, to date, no consensus has been reached for one single agent in second-line therapy. This article aims to review skin involvement as well as provide and update discussion on therapeutic options for both acute and chronic cutaneous GVHD.This publication has 141 references indexed in Scilit:
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