Cutaneous graft-versus-host disease incidence is similar in haploidentical and matched unrelated hematopoietic transplant recipients: A retrospective cohort study

Background: Cutaneous graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is common after hematopoietic cell transplants. Haploidentical transplants (Haplo) have historically higher rates of GVHD with overall outcomes improved with the use of posttransplant cyclophosphamide. Specific cutaneous outcomes have not been explored in haploidentical versus matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplants. Objective: We sought to examine the incidence of GVHD in MUD and Haplo transplants. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients' records that received MUD or Haplo transplants between 2010 and 2015 with determination of GVHD severity and features by one investigator. Results: The Haplo cohort included more minorities (22.7% vs 6.8%; P < .001). The incidence of acute cutaneous GVHD was similar (Haplo 47.7% [95% confidence interval {CI} 37.0-58.6%] vs MUD 42.6% [95% CI 37.9-47.3%]; P = .41). Chronic GVHD was also similar (Haplo 17.1% [95% CI 9.9-26.6%] vs MUD 12.8% [95% CI 9.9-16.3%]; P = .31). The Haplo group had lower rates of sclerosis (13.3% [95% CI 1.7-4.05%] vs 50.9% [95% CI 37.3-64.4%]; P = .0095). Other secondary outcomes showed no difference. Limitations: Severity of GVHD was determined retrospectively and not all patients were seen by a dermatologist. Conclusions: No difference was observed between rates or severity of acute or chronic GVHD. Sclerosis was less common in the Haplo group.