[Ocular graft-versus-host disease]

Abstract

Ocular graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is predominantly an inflammatory ocular surface disorder after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with increasing incidence. It is not only associated with reduced quality of life because of dry eye syndromes but can also impair visual acuity and lead to blindness due to corneal complications. The GvHD is mostly associated with severe moisturizing disorder of the ocular surface, which is often resistant to therapy and accompanied by chronic inflammation. Corneal complications are an important problem in these patients. An individually adapted multimodal stage-related and interdisciplinary therapy in cooperation with hematologists and oncologists is therefore important for the treatment of patients with ocular GvHD.

Keywords: Chronic inflammation; Dry eye disease; Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Keratoconjunctivitis sicca; Moisturizing disorder.