Genital graft versus host disease in women after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation – a single center experience

Chronic Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), affecting the female genital tract in 25-66% of the patients. This condition, referred to as Genital GVHD is an underdiagnosed gynecologic comorbidity, that can significantly impair quality of life. We aimed to describe the prevalence and management of genital GVHD following HSCT. This retrospective analysis included women who underwent allogeneic HSCT at a single Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit between 2015 and 2020 and were evaluated at a specialized Vulvo-Vaginal Clinic. Diagnosis and severity of genital GVHD were based on the recommendations by the National Institute of Health (NIH), therapeutic options included topical treatments and surgical interventions. Of the thirty-six patients evaluated, 19.4% were diagnosed with genital GVHD. Patients with genital GVHD were older than those with no-genital GVHD (58.42 vs 47.48 years, p = 0.02), and most of them had concurrent multi-organ chronic GVHD (85.71%). Genital GVHD was mostly symptomatic in our cohort (71.42%), clinical findings at the time of diagnosis corresponded with NIH grade 3 (severe disease) in 57.1% of cases. Topical treatments were initiated for all patients with genital GVHD, one required surgical intervention. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) was diagnosed among 100% of patients with genital GVHD and among 58.62% of patients without genital GVHD (p = 0.08). In the genital GVHD group, adherence to clinical follow up was limited (43.85%). Genital GVHD should be considered as part of chronic GVHD evaluation after allogeneic HSCT. It is associated with advanced age and the presence of chronic systemic GVHD. Impaired quality of life and limited follow-up within this population emphasize the need for increased awareness and early evaluations.