Some problems may develop as a result of the bone marrow transplant process. Because each child is different, the health care team will watch your child closely for any changes in his or her health. The following are examples of problems your child may experience. Graft-versus-host disease If your child received an allogeneic BMT or cord blood transplant, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) may become a problem. This happens when new bone marrow cells see the old cells as foreign. This causes the new cells to attack the cells and tissues of body organs. The organs most affected are the skin, liver, and gastrointestinal (digestive) system. Skin GVHD often begins with a red rash on the body. The rash may be seen on your child's chest, back, face, arms and/or legs. Liver GVHD may become noticeable when the whites of your child's eyes or the skin becomes yellow in color. Blood tests will help the health care team determine how much of a problem this condition is. Gastrointestinal GVHD causes large amounts of liquid, watery, green stool To help treat GVHD, your child may use several forms of medicine, such as by mouth, IV, and/or rubbed on the skin (topical). Otherwise, the health care team will take all the steps possible to treat GVHD if it occurs, including giving your child certain medicines. A "little bit" of GVHD is okay. Hemorrhagic Cystitis Hemorrhagic cystitis ("hem-or-ra-jik sis-tie-tis") occurs when there is blood or blood clots in the urine. This may cause pain when your child urinates. It can be treated by increasing fluid intake, often with IV fluids. Infection Because your child's immune system is suppressed, he or she is at risk for infections. If your child has a fever, he or she may need tests done to find the source of the infection. This may include swabbing the throat or nose or doing tests on the blood, urine, or stool. Neurological Problems Sometimes treatment may affect the brain. Some symptoms may include weakness, problems with handwriting, numbness in the limbs, muscle pain, or seizures. The health care team will watch your child closely for possible problems. Venoclusive Disease (VOD) VOD most often occurs about 15 to 25 days after a child receives new bone marrow. The veins in and going to the liver become narrow. You may notice your child's weight rise and abdomen enlarge. There is no special treatment for VOD. However, all children will receive the medicine heparin before and during the BMT to help prevent VOD. Radiation Somulence Somulence is a side effect of radiation. This is when your child becomes very, very sleepy. This can go on for several weeks. During this time, your child will lose interest in eating and taking medicine. The health care team will help your child with this problem and help your child get proper naps and rest times.