Graft Versus Host Disease: Management Issues in the Intensive Care Unit

Graft versus host disease (GVHD) in acute and chronic forms is a frequent post-transplant complication and seen in 50% of patients in acute and up to 70% cases in chronic GVHD setting. Patients with multiorgan involvement and those who are steroid refractory, frequently present with complications arising from this post-transplant complication. These GVHD patients are frequently managed in the Intensive care unit for treatment of air leaks, effusions, management of hypoxemia due to lung GVHD or infections. Close coordination between hematologists and Pulmonary medicine specialists is critical for timely management of these complications to improve patient outcomes.