title: Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease: an overview and two case reports.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD) and to illustrate these concepts using two case reports.
  
  
  METHODS
  Published articles, books, and the author's clinical experience.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is most commonly associated with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). However, GVHD increasingly is being reported in the non-BMT population. Of particular concern is TA-GVHD, an underrecognized, usually life-threatening complication of supportive care in both immunosuppressed as well as immunocompetent hosts.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most cases of TA-GVHD may be prevented with the use of irradiated blood products.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses can have a positive impact on the prevention of this highly morbid disease. Thorough assessment, education, and supportive care are essential when caring for patients with TA-GVHD. Because of ineffective treatment strategies, is-sues surrounding death and dying cannot be overlooked.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Pain Services, Mt. Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami Beach, FL.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Spector
mesh_terms: D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D065227:Transfusion Reaction