Autologous Graft Vs. Host Disease Symptoms

Autologous grafts involve using a person's tissue to replace tissue that is diseased or not functioning properly in his own body. Autologous graft vs. host disease occurs when a person's immune system attacks and destroys transplanted tissue acquired from his own body.

Skin Symptoms

• A person with autologous graft versus host disease may develop red, itchy rashes in some parts of his body like this face, the palms of his hands and the soles of his feet.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

• The gastrointestinal system may be affected in a case of autologous graft versus host disease with the following signs: diarrhea, abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, nausea and loss of appetite

Hepatic Symptoms

• The liver, which makes up the hepatic system, may be affected by autologous graft versus host disease when the hepatic bile ducts and mucous membranes are destroyed. Symptoms of liver involvement include right abdominal pain, enlarged liver, elevated liver enzymes and jaundice.

Treatment

• Autologous graft versus host disease can be treated with corticosteroids. This class of medication suppresses the attack mounted by a person's immune system against the self-donated tissues.

Outlook/Prognosis

• The symptoms of autologous graft versus host disease are similar to those of acute graft versus host disease in presentation. However, in autologous graft versus host disease, the symptoms are milder and can resolve themselves without treatment.