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Autologous stem cell transplantation improves microcirculation in systemic sclerosis

Miniati, I. and Guiducci, S. and Conforti, M. L. and Rogai, V. and Fiori, G. and Cinelli, M. and Saccardi, R. and Guidi, S. and Bosi, A. and Tyndall, A. and Matucci-Cerinic, M.. (2009) Autologous stem cell transplantation improves microcirculation in systemic sclerosis. Annals of the rheumatic diseases : ARD, Vol. 68. pp. 94-98.

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Official URL: http://edoc.unibas.ch/dok/A6003179

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: In systemic sclerosis (SSc) reduced capillary density decreases blood flow and leads to tissue ischaemia and fingertip ulcers. Nail fold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is a diagnostic and follow-up parameter useful to evaluate the severity, activity and the stage of SSc microvascular damage. Autologous haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a new treatment for patients with severe diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) refractory to conventional therapies. We aimed to evaluate the improvement of microvasculature after HSCT using NVC. METHODS: A total of 16 patients with severe dcSSc with a "late" videocapillaroscopy pattern underwent an immunesuppressive treatment: 6 were treated with HSCT and 10 with monthly pulse cyclophosphamide (CYC) 1 g for 6 months and then orally with 50 mg/day for further 6 months. NVC was performed before and after 3 months from the beginning of each treatment and then repeated every 3 months. RESULTS: In all patients, before HSCT NVC showed large avascular areas and ramified capillaries and vascular architectural disorganisation ("late" pattern). At 3 months after HSCT, the NVC pattern changed from "late" into "active", showing frequent giant capillaries (<6/mm) and haemorrhages, absence of avascular areas and angiogenesis phenomena; 1 year after HSCT, microvascular abnormalities were still in the "active" pattern. In patients treated with CYC, no NVC modifications were observed during 24 months of follow-up and the pattern always remained "late". CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that HSCT with a high dose CYC regimen may foster vascular remodelling, while CYC at lower doses and with a chronic regimen does not influence the microvasculature.
Faculties and Departments:03 Faculty of Medicine > Bereich Medizinische Fächer (Klinik) > Ehemalige Einheiten Medizinische Fächer (Klinik) > Rheumatologie FPS (Tyndall)
03 Faculty of Medicine > Departement Klinische Forschung > Bereich Medizinische Fächer (Klinik) > Ehemalige Einheiten Medizinische Fächer (Klinik) > Rheumatologie FPS (Tyndall)
03 Faculty of Medicine > Departement Biomedizin > Former Units at DBM > Rheumatologie FPS (Tyndall)
UniBasel Contributors:De Vere-Tyndall, Alan
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Research Article
Publisher:British Medical Association
ISSN:0003-4967
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article
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Last Modified:01 Mar 2013 11:14
Deposited On:01 Mar 2013 11:13

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