RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To analyze experimental results of Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after liver transplantation. METHODS: 13 cases of GVHD out of the 1013 liver transplantation between 2002-2008 were analysed. Routine blood test, liver function and microorganisms test were done in all of the 13 cases, bone marrow test was done in 5 cases, liver pathological test was done in 5 cases, cytokines were analyzed in 4 cases, chimerism test was done in 6 cases. RESULTS: Leukocytes were reduced to various degree in all 13 cases, and were extremely low in 8 cases. Hematopoiesis was repressed in 4 cases. Normal liver function was found in 9 cases. Bacterium were found in blood, bile, wound secrete juice, excrement, phlegm of 10 cases. The pathological characteristics was in accordance with GVHD in 5 cases. The levels of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-4 were low or undetectable. IL-10 was decreased in 4 cases but increased in 1 case. MCP-1, VEGF, IL-6, EGF, IL-8 were increasing or remained at high level during GVHD. TNF alpha was slightly increased. IFN gamma was only slightly changed before GVHD. CONCLUSION: Chimerism is a reliable but not unique evidence of GVHD.