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.
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Kawano, N., Gondo, H., Kamimura, T. et al. Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease following Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients. Int J Hematol 78, 370–373 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02983564
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02983564