Female genital tract graft-versus-host disease: incidence, risk factors and recommendations for management

Bone Marrow Transplant. 2006 Oct;38(8):567-72. doi: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1705487. Epub 2006 Sep 4.

Abstract

Female genital tract graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is an under-recognized complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation impacting on quality of life. We describe a prospective surveillance programme for female genital GVHD to better characterize incidence, risk factors and clinical features and the impact of a structured intervention policy. A retrospective audit was conducted on the medical records of all female transplant recipients surviving at least 6 months at a single centre over a 5-year period. Patients commenced topical vaginal oestrogen early post transplant with hormone replacement as appropriate for age, prior menopausal status and co-morbidities. A genital tract management programme included regular gynaecological review and self-maintenance of vaginal capacity by dilator or intercourse. The incidence of genital GVHD was 35% (95% confidence interval (CI) (25, 50%)) at 1 year and 49% (95% CI (36, 63%)) at 2 years. Topical therapy was effective in most cases; no patient required surgical intervention to divide vaginal adhesions. The main risk factor was stem cell source with peripheral blood progenitor cells posing a higher risk than marrow (hazard ratio=3.07 (1.22, 7.73), P=0.017). Extensive GVHD in other organs was a common association. We conclude that female genital GVHD is common, and early detection and commencement of topical immunosuppression with dilator use appears to be highly effective at preventing progression.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Disease Management
  • Female
  • Genital Diseases, Female / drug therapy*
  • Genital Diseases, Female / etiology*
  • Graft vs Host Disease* / drug therapy
  • Graft vs Host Disease* / etiology
  • Graft vs Host Disease* / pathology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / methods
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Incidence
  • Middle Aged
  • Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Population Surveillance
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Transplantation, Homologous

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents