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. STUDY DESIGN AND 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. CONCLUSION: 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.