Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an effective treatment strategy for many malignancies, marrow failure syndromes, and immune deficiencies in children, adolescents, and adults. Vitamin A and its derivatives regulate growth and differentiation of intestinal cells, and vitamin A deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to infection in both human and animal models. The investigators' preliminary data suggest lower vitamin A levels were associated with an increased incidence of gastrointestinal graft versus host disease (GI GVHD) in patients undergoing HSCT.
This study is a randomized double blinded comparison of vitamin A supplementation comparing a single large dose of vitamin A with a placebo.
