Veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a disease affecting the liver. VOD is an uncommon complication of bone marrow transplant, and may also occur after ingestion of certain plant alkaloids.

Features of VOD include weight gain, tender hepatomegaly, ascites, and increased bilirubin. It often is associated with renal failure. When associated with bone marrow transplant, VOD may be fatal. Cases due to plant alkaloids often have a longer and more unpredictable course.

In the BMT setting, VOD is felt to due to injury to the hepatic venous endothelium from the conditioning regimen. It is also known as sinuosoidal obstruction syndrome. Treatment for VOD is primarily supportive. In the BMT setting, defibrotide is an investigational treatment that may be promising. Defibrotide is a polydeoxyribonucleotide; its mechanism of benefit in VOD is unclear, but has been attributed to its antithromboitc properties.

External link

• American Society of Hematology education book discussion of VOD

Hepatology