Living with Chronic graft versus host disease
A complication after a stem cell or bone marrow transplant in which donor cells attack the recipient's body.
Understanding Chronic graft versus host disease
It can affect the skin, mouth, eyes, liver, joints, and lungs. The exact cause is unknown. It likely results from a complex immune interaction between donor and recipient cells. GARD lists onset at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Skin rash or color changes
- Mouth sores and dry mouth
- Dry eyes and light sensitivity
- Liver inflammation
- Scar tissue in the skin and joints
- Hair loss and nail changes
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include allergy and immune system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Allergy and immune system specialists (allergists / immunologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the exact cause is unknown. It likely comes from a complex immune interaction between donor and recipient cells.
Also known as: chronic graft-versus-host disease; graft versus host disease, chronic; gvhd, chronic
Patient organizations
- Aplastic Anemia and MDS International FoundationChronic graft versus host disease · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Chronic graft versus host disease.
Explore research for Chronic graft versus host disease
Explore actively recruiting Chronic graft versus host disease studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Chronic graft versus host disease with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Chronic graft versus host disease studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Chronic graft versus host disease
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Chronic graft versus host disease experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.