other complications following a stem cell transplant

graft-versus-host disease (GvHD)

When you have stem cells from a donor, even a brother or sister, there is a possibility that the new cells, called the graft, will react against your body, called the host. This reaction is called graft versus host disease.

You'll be given drugs to prevent GvHD happening, but these can't always prevent it completely. The symptoms are:

• a red rash
• itching
• a yellowy colour to your skin and eyes
• tummy cramps
• watery diarrhoea.

It's often mild but can be severe for some people. GvHD can happen up to 6 months after your transplant. It's more likely to happen if you've had stem cells from an unrelated donor. You'll be given a medicine called cyclosporine to carry on taking when you leave hospital. You have to take it for several months to help prevent GvHD. It's important to avoid any foods that contain grapefruit while you're taking cyclosporine otherwise the drug doesn't work properly.

If GvHD does happen, it doesn't mean the treatment has failed. It might even be helpful, as some of the cells involved in the reaction may also attack any cancer cells in your body that survived the treatment. Your doctors and nurses will check for the GvHD and you'll be given more medicines to treat it.

veno-occlusive disease (VOD)

The high-dose treatment can cause a rare complication called veno-occlusive disease. It happens when the blood vessels in the liver swell up and get blocked. The symptoms you might get are:

• a swollen and painful liver
• a build up of fluid around your tummy which makes you gain weight.

Your liver will need time to rest and recover and you might need to be in hospital for about 2 weeks. You'll be given some medicines to help you to feel better until your liver is ok again.