Autologous stem cell transplantation in systemic sclerosis: 4 cases

The aim is to describe clinical and serological features, previous and current therapies, and adverse events in four systemic sclerosis patients (SSc) who undergo autologous hematopoietic stem cells transplantation (AHSCT).

Descriptive, cross-sectional study including SSc patients according ACR/EULAR 2013 criteria. Clinical and serological data, data related to current and previous therapy and adverse events were collected from 2014 to 2023.

Four female patients were included, with a mean age of 49 (6.78) years old and a mean of 32.5 (7) months since diagnosis to AHSCT. Mean mRodnan score (mRSS) was 33.75. All cases underwent a skin improvement measured by mRSS (mean difference of 14.75) and lung function (DLCO) remained stable. Only one patient presented a pneumonia post-AHSCT, that required admission to intensive care unit, with improvement and complete resolution of infection a few days after admission.

AHSCT is an appropriate therapeutic option in rapidly progressive diffuse SSc patients, with a good safety profile in our cohort.