Half of patients who have a stem cell transplant using donor cells (an allogeneic transplant) develop chronic graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD). In up to a third of those patients, GVHD affects the mouth, esophagus, stomach and/or GI tract. GVHD can also affect the liver and/or pancreas. This presentation describes the symptoms and treatment options for GI and liver GVHD.

Graft-versus-host disease occurs when a donor’s cells attack a transplant recipient’s organs and tissues. GVHD can occur throughout the gastrointestinal system as well as in the liver. This presentation describes how GVHD can attack the mouth, esophagus, stomach, large and small bowels and liver.

Graft-versus-host disease commonly affects the the gastrointestinal tract and /or liver in patients who have had an stem cell transplant using cells from a donor (allogeneic transplant). Treatment may require a combination of local therapies, systemic therapies, procedural interventions and/or various types of supportive care.

Graft-versus-host disease often affects the gastrointestinal system, and sometimes the liver. Prednisone is usually the first line of treatment. Other medications and therapies are available if prednisone, alone, is not effective.

Graft-versus-Host disease can affect the throat, stomach, pancreas and liver. Symptoms include nausea, loose stools, diarrhea, cramping, weight loss, problems swallowing, yellowing of skin and eyes and/or dark urine. Learn how to manage GVHD of the GI tract.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in the gut and GI tract is a common complication of a transplant using donor cells. Chronic GVHD can also affect the liver and, rarely, the pancreas. Patience is needed as it may take a long time for symptoms of GVHD in the gut to resolve.