Minimizing Disability from Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Abstract

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation which can result in significant disability. Any organ system may be affected, and as a result, a wide variety of functional impairments may occur. Rehabiliation services can improve patient outcomes and quality of life, but an understanding of the underlying disease process is necessary. There have been few studies published recently regarding the management of functional impairments in GVHD patients. The National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Project on Criteria in Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease is an ongoing project begun in 2005 and most recently updated in 2014; however, these data have not yet been used to assess the management of disability in this population. The treatment of functional impairments from GVHD remains largely annectdotal and based around experiences from similar diseases; however, rehabilitation interventions should still be considered for patients with significant disease burden.