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Acute graft-versus-host-disease after liver transplantation: Two case reports and literature review

Lei Q, Hong X, Zheng H, Su L, Chen H, Deng F

Medicine, 2025

Abstract

Rationale: Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a rare but highly fatal complication following liver transplantation (LT). This case report aims to summarize the diagnostic and therapeutic experiences to enhance clinical understanding.

Patient concerns: Two middle-aged male patients underwent LT for acute-on-chronic liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma, respectively. Both subsequently developed nonspecific symptoms, including rash, fever, and signs of bone marrow suppression.

Diagnoses: The diagnosis of GVHD was confirmed in both patients through skin biopsy and chimerism testing.

Interventions: The primary therapeutic approach involved high-dose corticosteroid therapy and intravenous immunoglobulin.

Outcomes: Despite intervention, the outcomes for both patients were poor. Both patients succumbed to mortality, with causes of death being multiple organ failure and hemorrhagic shock, respectively.

Lessons: GVHD after LT carries a grave prognosis with poor treatment outcomes. This report underscores the critical importance of early diagnosis and intervention for managing this devastating complication.

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Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.

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