Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for primary immunodeficiency syndromes: A 5-year single-centre experience

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a central therapy in the treatment of primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs). Over the past 5 years, outcomes have been greatly improved due to earlier diagnosis, improved donor availability, advancements in graft manipulation and the use of less toxic preparative regimens. We present a 5-year audit of HSCT for PID at a single Australian tertiary hospital.

Retrospective case note review identified diagnosis, pre-transplant medical morbidity, transplant protocol, engraftment, adverse events, post-transplant immune reconstitution and general health.

A total of 22 patients with PID underwent 24 HSCTs at our institution between 2012 and 2016. The most common indications were severe combined immunodeficiency, chronic granulomatous disease and familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, with a genetic diagnosis in all but two patients. Reduced intensity or reduced toxicity conditioning was used in 91% of cases, and 75% of the donors were unrelated. Transplant-related mortality at day +100 was 9.5%, and cumulative overall survival was 86%. There were three mortalities, all secondary to viral infection, one of which occurred in the context of graft failure. Two patients remained on immune support, with the remainder achieving adequate immune reconstitution.

The outcomes for HSCT for PIDs performed at Sydney Children's Hospital were in line with the world's best practice. HSCT should be considered a potential therapeutic option for all Australian PID patients with a valid disease indication.