Post-transfusion graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is generallythought to result from the engraftment of lymphocytes in bloodproducts1,2. If circumstances permit, the donor's T lymphocytesmount an immune attack against the recipient's tissues. Theclinical manifestations of the disorder are fever, rash, hepatitis,diarrhea, bone marrow aplasia, pancytopenia, and infection3.Post-transfusion GVHD can usually be diagnosed clinically duringits florid stage. However, in its early stage, it is not easilydifferentiated from toxic shock syndrome, drug reactions, orviral infections. Early diagnosis may allow more effective treatmentof the disease.
From the Department of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology (L.W., T.J., K. Tokunaga, K. Takahashi, S.K.), and the Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition (L.W., K. Takai), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku; and the Japanese Red Cross Central Blood Center, Shibuya (K. Tokunaga, S.U., K. Tadokoro) -- both in Tokyo, Japan.
Address reprint requests to Ms. Wang at the Department of Research, Japanese Red Cross Central Blood Center, Hiroo 4-1-31, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150, Japan.
References
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WILLIAMSON, L. M
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