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‘Altered immunity syndrome’, a distinct entity in long-term bone marrow transplantation survivors?

Bone Marrow Transplantation volume 28, pages 1175–1176 (2001)Cite this article

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is one of the major chronic complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and occurs within the first years after transplantation. The close similarities between cGVHD and autoimmune diseases, such as systemic sclerosis or Sjögren's syndrome, were recognized early.1 However, follow-up data of cGVHD in long-term transplanted patients are scarce and pathogenetic mechanisms are still poorly understood. These mechanisms have gained renewed interest at a time when HSCT is discussed as a therapeutic option for severe autoimmune disorders.2 In addition, the occurrence of a syndrome smiliar to connective tissue diseases in long-term survivors which might not be related to cGVHD has been postulated.3 There are several reports on various autoantibodies being detected after HSCT.3,4,5,6 The occurrence of these autoantibodies is independent of acute or chronic GVHD and their clinical significance is unknown.

In a retrospective study, we analyzed 38 patients, all long-term survivors of at least 10 years after HSCT from an HLA-identical sibling. Data were collected during annual routine follow-up of the patients. We screened for the occurrence of autoantibodies and a possible association with symptoms of a connective tissue disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Medicine, Medical Clinic B, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland

    M Trendelenburg

  2. Division of Hematology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, Basel, 4031, Switzerland

    M Gregor, J Passweg, A Tichelli & A Gratwohl

  3. Division of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland

    A Tyndall

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  1. M Trendelenburg
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  2. M Gregor
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  3. J Passweg
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  4. A Tichelli
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  5. A Tyndall
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  6. A Gratwohl
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Trendelenburg, M., Gregor, M., Passweg, J. et al. ‘Altered immunity syndrome’, a distinct entity in long-term bone marrow transplantation survivors?. Bone Marrow Transplant 28, 1175–1176 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bmt.1703300

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