Which manifestations are associated with GVHD?

Which manifestations are associated with GVHD?

• A. Fever, rash, blistering, mucosal inflammation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and obstructive jaundice
• B. Cough and wheezing
• C. Isolated headaches
• D. Hypertension

Answer: (A)

GVHD occurs when donor T cells attack the host’s tissues after an allogeneic transplant, most characteristically affecting the skin, liver, and GI tract. The combination of fever with a rash that can blister, mucosal inflammation, and GI symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, along with obstructive jaundice from liver involvement, are classic acute GVHD manifestations. The skin findings reflect donor T‑cell–mediated damage to keratinocytes; mucosal inflammation and GI symptoms show injury to the GI tract lining; and obstructive jaundice indicates hepatic involvement and cholestasis. The other options don’t fit this pattern: respiratory symptoms like cough and wheeze aren’t hallmark GVHD, isolated headaches aren’t typical, and hypertension isn’t a defining feature of GVHD.

GVHD occurs when donor T cells attack the host’s tissues after an allogeneic transplant, most characteristically affecting the skin, liver, and GI tract. The combination of fever with a rash that can blister, mucosal inflammation, and GI symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, along with obstructive jaundice from liver involvement, are classic acute GVHD manifestations. The skin findings reflect donor T‑cell–mediated damage to keratinocytes; mucosal inflammation and GI symptoms show injury to the GI tract lining; and obstructive jaundice indicates hepatic involvement and cholestasis. The other options don’t fit this pattern: respiratory symptoms like cough and wheeze aren’t hallmark GVHD, isolated headaches aren’t typical, and hypertension isn’t a defining feature of GVHD.