Autologous hemopoietic stem-cell transplantation for children with refractory autoimmune disease

Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2000 Aug;2(4):316-23. doi: 10.1007/s11926-000-0069-8.

Abstract

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been proposed as a possible treatment for severe autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To date, more than 250 patients with various autoimmune disorders have undergone an ASCT since 1996. Among them, there is a very limited number of children. This review summarizes the experience with ASCT for pediatric rheumatic diseases. Most reported cases concern juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Experience with ASCT for childhood SLE, Scleroderma, or Dermatomyositis is very limited. To date, 12 children with severe systemic or polyarticular JIA, all with progressive disease activity despite the use of corticosteroids, MTX, CsA, or Cyclophosphamide were treated in our center with ASCT. Rheumatologic follow-up at 3-month intervals up to 36 months showed a marked decrease in arthritis severity as expressed by the core-set criteria for juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) activity. However, these children remain at risk for severe viral infections due to the prolonged lymfopenia. ASCT in this severely ill patient group induces a very significant and drug-free remission of the disease, but carries a significantly risk of developing fatal MAS.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Arthritis, Juvenile / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Juvenile / therapy*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy
  • Autoimmune Diseases / therapy*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dermatomyositis / therapy
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / therapy*
  • Mixed Connective Tissue Disease / therapy
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / therapy
  • Time Factors