The prevalence and prognostic value of concomitant eosinophilia in chronic graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Leuk Res. 2014 Mar;38(3):334-9. doi: 10.1016/j.leukres.2013.12.009. Epub 2013 Dec 24.

Abstract

The prognostic significance of eosinophilia after myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains to be established. Patients, whom developed chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after ASCT, were included (n = 142). Eosinophil count was analyzed at cGVHD onset. We observed no significant association between EO and the grade of cGVHD, thrombocytopenia, nor extensive skin involvement. Importantly, we observed no significant association between cGVHD with concomitant eosinophilia and long-term clinical outcomes, and subgroup analyses revealed a considerable confounding effect of ongoing steroid treatment. In conclusion, we advocate that prognostic conclusions regarding cGVHD with concomitant eosinophilia after ASCT should be interpreted with caution.

Keywords: Allogeneic stem cell transplantation; Chronic graft-versus-host disease; Clinical outcome; Eosinophilia; Glucocorticoids; Myeloablative.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Blood Platelets / pathology
  • Eosinophilia / diagnosis*
  • Eosinophilia / etiology
  • Eosinophilia / pathology
  • Eosinophils / pathology
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Graft vs Host Disease / diagnosis*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / etiology
  • Graft vs Host Disease / pathology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Leukemia / pathology
  • Leukemia / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myeloablative Agonists / therapeutic use
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin / pathology
  • Transplantation, Homologous

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Myeloablative Agonists