Diagnosis of transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease by polymerase chain reaction in fludarabine‐treated B‐chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

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Summary. Transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease (TA‐GVHD), has rarely been reported associated with B‐chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B‐CLL). We report a patient diagnosed with B‐CLL, previously treated with fludarabine, who developed TA‐GVHD after being transfused during surgery for splenectomy. Diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of donor DNA in the patient, by amplification of Y‐chromosome sequence and analysis of minisatellite polymorphisms. B‐CLL patients treated with fludarabine appear to be at risk for TA‐GVHD and should be regarded as candidates for transfusions with irradiated blood products. This case illustrates that PCR is a rapid technique for the early diagnosis of TA‐GVHD.

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