Chronic graft-versus-host disease following varicella-zoster virus infection in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients

Int J Hematol. 2003 Nov;78(4):370-3. doi: 10.1007/BF02983564.

Abstract

We describe 2 allogeneic stem cell transplantation patients who developed chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after dermatomal varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection. Localized zoster did not respond to oral valaciclovir but did resolve with intravenous aciclovir. However, skin eruptions, eye/oral dryness, and liver dysfunction were observed at the healing stage of localized zoster, suggesting development of GVHD. Intensification of immunosuppressive therapy was required to control GVHD. Quantitative real-time PCR for VZV DNA was used to distinguish liver involvement by chronic GVHD from visceral dissemination of VZV in 1 patient. VZV infection may trigger chronic GVHD after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chickenpox / complications*
  • Chickenpox / drug therapy
  • Chronic Disease
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Female
  • Graft vs Host Disease / drug therapy
  • Graft vs Host Disease / etiology*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / virology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / genetics
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Liver Diseases / etiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Immunosuppressive Agents