Marked and sustained improvement two years after autologous stem cell transplantation in a girl with systemic sclerosis

Arthritis Rheum. 1999 Apr;42(4):807-11. doi: 10.1002/1529-0131(199904)42:4<807::AID-ANR26>3.0.CO;2-T.

Abstract

Autologous transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells has recently been proposed as a possible treatment for autoimmune diseases that are associated with a very severe prognosis. A 12-year-old girl who, since 4 years of age, had systemic sclerosis with progressive pulmonary involvement underwent autologous peripheral blood-derived stem cell transplantation (aPBSCT) using CD34+ selection, cyclophosphamide, and the infusion of the monoclonal antibody CAMPATH-1G. Following transplantation, in the absence of any treatment other than symptomatic therapy, the patient's exertional dyspnea and alveolitis disappeared and she experienced a marked improvement in skin score, height velocity, and general well-being that has persisted 2 years after the transplantation procedure. Autologous PBSCT associated with the infusion of the monoclonal antibody CAMPATH-1G appears to be a useful therapy for otherwise intractable forms of progressive systemic sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, CD34 / analysis
  • Body Height
  • Female
  • Growth
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / chemistry
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / immunology
  • Humans
  • Prognosis
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / therapy*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Transplantation, Autologous
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, CD34