Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

Autologous T cell depleted haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with severe juvenile idiopathic arthritis in the UK (2000-2007)

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Mario Abinun, Dr Terence Flood, Professor Andrew Cant, Professor Andrew GenneryORCiD, Emerita Professor Helen Foster

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.


Abstract

As part of collaborative multi-centre study started in 2000, 7 children in the UK fulfilled the inclusion criteria for treatment with autologous T cell depleted (TCD) haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for severe juvenille idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Here we report on the outcome and transplant-related complications. Outcome: The initial, often dramatic clinical response in all patients was followed in 4 with sustained benefit, including the withdrawal of immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory treatment, significant catch-up growth and immense improvement of the quality of life during 5-8 years long follow-up. Two patients relapsed within 1-12 months, and one died 4 months post transplant. Complications: Adenovirus reactivation with dissemination was lethal in one patient, whilst Epstein-Barr (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation-driven haemophagocytic syndrome responded to antiviral and immunomodulatory treatment in 2 patients. Both the conditioning and the T cell depletion of the graft, leading to severe immunosuppression and prolonged immune system function reconstitution, are the main predisposing factors for potentially life-threatening transplant-related complications. Conclusions: Autologous TCD HSCT for children with severe JIA results in two-phase response. The initial remission seen in all patients is due to immunosuppressive conditioning. This is followed by sustained drug-free remission in over 50% of patients, which is due to 'immunomodulatory' effects of TCD HSCT. The procedure carries a significant morbidity and mortality risk. However, this risk should be balanced against the risks of life-threatening infections occurring in this very selective group of patients on long-term and combined immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory therapies. How to correctly identify and appropriately assess the patients in need for autologous TCD HSCT, particularly in relation to optimizing the timing for the procedure in regards to the newly available therapies with different biologic response modifiers, are some of the most important questions awaiting answers from this on-going study. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Abinun M, Flood TJ, Cant AJ, Veys P, Gennery AR, Foster HE, Friswell M, Baildam E, Davidson J, Southwood TR, Livermore P, Wedderburn LR

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: Molecular Immunology

Year: 2009

Volume: 47

Issue: 1

Pages: 46-51

ISSN (print): 0161-5890

ISSN (electronic): 1872-9142

Publisher: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2008.12.029

DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2008.12.029


Share