1/4/2011

This is what we found out what Larry has. We'll be on the road a lot for his treatments to try and stop the GVHD.

Pulmonary Graft Versus Host Disease
This is what's going on with Larry. After allogeneic (from another person) stem cell transplantation, it is possible for the transplanted cells to react with the body. Usually this is in organs such as the skin, gastrointestinal tract and liver; but the lung can also be a target. This is referred to as chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD). The most common from of chronic lung GVHD is called Bronchiolitis Obliterans.

Bronchiolitis Obliterans is a disease that results in scarring and narrowing of the airways. About 8-25% of people may develop some from of this after this type of transplant.

Complications
Patients with bronchiolitis or lung GVHD may have a risk of collapsed lung or pneumothorax. This is when air gets around the lung instead of inside the lung and causes problems. Symptoms of this may be suddenly feeling very short of breath or having chest pain on one side of the chest.

Frequent infections or flare-ups can be a problem when you have chronic lung disease. You may need antibiotics or a short course of steroids if this happens.

Treatment
Although there is not a cure for bronchiolitis obliterans, there are several treatments that can make you feel better, lessen your symptoms, and help you do more activity.

I have a list of the treatments they can try if you would like to know just e-mail me and I'll send it to you.