Which of the following describes a difference in GVHD presentations between HSCT patients and those receiving blood transfusions?

The correct answer highlights that hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients may experience chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) that is often systemic. In HSCT, the graft, which contains the donor's immune cells, can recognize the recipient's tissues as foreign, leading to an immune response. This response can manifest as both acute and chronic GVHD, with chronic GVHD often affecting multiple organ systems, such as the skin, liver, and lungs. These patients are at a higher risk for developing chronic GVHD due to the nature of the transplant and the prolonged immune response.

In contrast, blood transfusion recipients typically avoid chronic GVHD because they receive only donor red blood cells or platelets, which do not contain significant amounts of immune cells. When a transfusion of blood products occurs, the risk of GVHD is minimal without the systemic involvement seen in HSCT patients.

Overall, the recognition of chronic GVHD's systemic nature in HSCT patients is integral to understanding the long-term implications of their treatment and the management of their post-transplant care.