Posttransfusion graft-versus-host disease in two immunocompetent patients.
Graft-versus-host disease may occur in certain immunocompromised patients after a blood transfusion. The disease is characterized by fever, a skin eruption, gastrointestinal disturbances, liver dysfunction, and bone marrow aplasia. Two cases of fatal graft-versus-host disease are reported. Both patients were immunocompetent and had received transfusions of nonirradiated blood from their children during surgery. The importance of preventing this complication by irradiating blood products given to patients by their first-degree relatives is underscored.
Department of Dermatology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, New York, NY 10022.
N
N
Rubeiz
A
A
Taher
Z
Z
Salem
W
W
Gharzuddine
A G
AG
Kibbi
D000368:Aged; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D011693:Purpura / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D065227:Transfusion Reaction