ABSTRACT

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT), which is being used increasingly day by day; is a treatment method for the management of mainly lymphohematopoietic diseases and also immunological and metabolic disorders.

Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a complicated clinical syndrome involving a severe immune reaction mediated by immunologically competent cells, mainly T lymphocytes, resulting in organ dysfunction. It is accepted as the most important cause of mortality and morbidity following SCT.

GVHD has also resulted from transfusion of nonirradiated blood products, from maternal-fetal transfusions and following solid organ transplants. In this paper, the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, histopathology, new classification system and treatment of GVHD is discussed. (Turk J Dermatol 2011; 5: 92-100)