Minimizing Disability from Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Purpose of Review: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation which can result in significant disability. Any organ system may be affected, and as a result, a wide variety of functional impairments may occur. Rehabiliation services can improve patient outcomes and quality of life, but an understanding of the underlying disease process is necessary. Recent Findings: There have been few studies published recently regarding the management of functional impairments in GVHD patients. The National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Project on Criteria in Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease is an ongoing project begun in 2005 and most recently updated in 2014; however, these data have not yet been used to assess the management of disability in this population. Summary: The treatment of functional impairments from GVHD remains largely annectdotal and based around experiences from similar diseases; however, rehabilitation interventions should still be considered for patients with significant disease burden. © 2018, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.