Vulvar and Vaginal Graft Versus Host Disease After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant—A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a systematic literature search to identify and determine the prevalence, signs and symptoms, and clinical management of vulvar and vaginal graft versus host disease (GVHD).Methods: A systematic literature search of articles from 1993 to August 2022 was performed. Studies were included if full text was available in the English language and provided reports on female subjects with more than four patients. Review articles, conference abstracts, case reports, and case series of less than 5 patients were excluded. Included studies had their reference list searched for further manuscripts. Two authors reviewed the search results and independently identified studies that met the selection criteria and summarized available data.Results: There were 29 studies available in the literature that met the inclusion criteria. There was a high risk of bias within the available literature. The prevalence of vulval and vaginal GVHD varied between 27% and 66% of women after allogeneic stem cell transplant. Other organ GVHD, most commonly the skin, mouth, and eyes, may be present concurrently in these patients, or they may be asymptomatic. Specialist gynecology review, topical estrogen, topical steroids, topical immunosuppression, and vaginal dilatation led to a reduction in complications associated with the condition, and surgery was helpful in some severe refractory cases. These patients remain at higher risk of developing cervical dysplasia, and regular human papillomavirus screening is recommended.Conclusions: Female genital GVHD is a rare phenomenon. Early, coordinated, and regular gynecological reviews after stem cell transplant are essential to reduce the long-term complications.