Graft versus host disease after liver transplantation: a case report

Front Med China. 2010 Dec;4(4):469-72. doi: 10.1007/s11684-010-0120-8. Epub 2010 Dec 1.

Abstract

In documenting clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of graft versus host disease (GVHD), we retrospectively analyzed data of one case that has developed GVHD after liver transplantation. This patient exhibited fever, skin rash, and diarrhea on day 9 after liver transplantation. His liver function was normal. Skin biopsy showed scattered keratinocytes accompanied by satellite-like lymphocyte infiltration and basal cell liquefaction degeneration. After carefully analyzing the complications, we took the strategy of decreasing the dose of tacrolimus. Thereafter, the patient's temperature decreased to normal, his skin rashes subsided, and his diarrhea was relieved. This case suggests that reducing the dosage of immunosuppressive agents can be an effective strategy for GVHD after liver transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects
  • Graft vs Host Disease / diagnosis*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / immunology
  • Graft vs Host Disease / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Liver Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / adverse effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Tacrolimus / adverse effects

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Tacrolimus
  • Methylprednisolone