Physical Therapy
Graft Versus Host Disease Clinic
Graft Versus Host Disease Clinic is a clinic of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Children's Hospital Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation Program. The clinic team includes a variety of specialists and meets on the 4th or last Thursday of the month.
What is Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD)?
GVHD is a complication that results from a reaction of donated bone marrow against a recipient's own body tissues. The "graft" is the bone marrow transplant and the "host" is the recipient. The body tissues most frequently involved are the skin, eyes, liver, stomach and intestines. There are also secondary effects from the necessary medications (e.g. prednisone, cyclosporine, antibiotics).
How do physical therapists help?
The effects of GVHD are varied in nature and in levels of severity. Physical therapists focus their attention on those aspects and impairments which effect general function and activity levels in the home, school or community. These may include:
- Muscle performance and endurance
- Joint mobility and muscle extensibility
- Breathing and general body endurance
- General Functional and daily activities
- Modification and adaptations to improve ease of activity
- Contributions to support and coping strategies
- Communications with local therapists
What happens during a clinic visit?
The physical therapy team will meet with you to discuss safe activities for your child. Recommendations for services at school or locally are also provided.
For additional information, call 617-355-7212.
