Transfusion-Associated Graft-Versus-Host Disease in Pediatric Patients: Clinical Features and Outcomes.
Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease in children carries very high mortality
Transfusion-Associated Graft-Versus-Host Disease in Pediatric Patients: Clinical Features and Outcomes.
Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease) is a rare, usually fatal complication of blood transfusion.
To describe the characteristics of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease in children.
The clinical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease between January 2007 and December 2021 were reviewed.
The median age at diagnosis of the underlying disorder was 9 years, 1 month (range 2 months-15 years, 3 months); the median age at diagnosis of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease was 9 years, 5.5 months (range 1 year, 7 months-15 years, 7 months).
There were 27 grafts; 8 were irradiated and 12 were filtered.
All patients presented with Stage 3 cutaneous transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease and histopathological Grade 2.
All cases corresponded to classic acute transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease with global clinical Grade I-II.
Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease, although less frequently encountered than in previous years, is still a concern.
Early suspicion of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease is mandatory due to its high mortality rates and rapid progression. Prevention by using irradiated blood products is the sole effective measure against this condition.
Failing to identify and preempt transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease not only jeopardizes patient survival but also underscores the critical importance of vigilant monitoring and proactive intervention in at-risk patients.