title: Transfusion-associated graft versus host disease in the immunocompetent patient: an ongoing problem.
abstract: Transfusion associated-graft versus host disease (TA-GVHD) is a rare complication of blood transfusion. It carries a very high mortality rate. Although the phenomenon has been well described in immunocompromised patients, this review focuses on the immunocompetent host. Cases of TA-GVHD continue to be reported following a variety of surgical procedures, especially cardiac procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. Additional risk factors for TA-GVHD include blood component transfusion in populations with limited genetic diversity, the use of directed donations from family members, and the transfusion of fresh blood. As there is no effective treatment, the focus is on prevention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA rjawa@unmc.edu.
authors.forename: Randeep S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Jawa
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Young
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Stothert
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Mahmoud N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Kulaylat
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
authors.forename: James D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Landmark
mesh_terms: D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence; D012307:Risk Factors; D065227:Transfusion Reaction
keywords: TA-GVHD; graft versus host disease; microchimerism; transfusion