Objective: To explore the efficacy, safety and immune reconstitution of autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT) using T cell depleted grafts in the treatment of refractory rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods: One patient with RA was treated with APBSCT. The method included mobilization with 2 g/m(2) cyclophosphamide (CY) and subcutaneous injection of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). Immunomagnetic selection of CD34(+) cells from the leukapheresis products was performed to deplete potentially autoreative lymphocytes. The conditioning regimen consisted of intravenous administration of 2 g/m2 CY and 90 mg/kg ATG, with subsequent reinfusion of the graft. G-CSF was used to help hematopoietic and immunologic reconstitution. Phenotype of the peripheral blood lymphocytes was analyzed to observe the immunologic reconstitution after transplantation.
Results: The patient completed the mobilization, conditioning regimen and transplantation successfully. The hematologic recovery was rapid and the patient achieved clinical remission. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) decreased to normal level and the rheumatoid factor (RF) turned negative after a follow-up of 12 months. An ongoing course of immunologic reconstitution was observed.
Conclusion: APBSCT is effective and safey for refractory RA, and can induce improvement of disease activity. The course of immunologic reconstitution after transplantation remains to be observed in long-term followup.