Transfusion-associated GVHD: 10 years' experience at the American University of Beirut-Medical Center.
BACKGROUND
Although rare, transfusion-associated GVHD (TA-GVHD) is a fatal complication of blood transfusion in which active lymphocytes from the donor attack and destroy recipient organs and tissues.


METHODS
A search of patient records was carried out at the American University of Beirut-Medical Center, looking for patients who developed TA-GVHD over a 10-year period extending from 1991 to 2001. Relevant information was collected and analyzed.


RESULTS
A total of 10 records were found as a result of this search. All were immunocompetent and received fresh nonleukoreduced, nonirradiated blood. The majority received the transfusion at outside periphery hospitals. They received different treatment modalities. The mortality rate was 100 percent.


CONCLUSIONS
TA-GVHD is a serious complication with very high mortality. Effective prevention guidelines should be established in Lebanon including irradiation and the creation of a central blood bank.
Aoun
Elie
E
Department of Internal Medicine, American Universitty of Beirut--Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
Shamseddine
Ali
A
Chehal
Aref
A
Obeid
Maya
M
Taher
Ali
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality*; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D016853:Muromonab-CD3 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D065227:Transfusion Reaction
D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016853:Muromonab-CD3; D013256:Steroids; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; D016572:Cyclosporine