[Autologous transplantation of peripheral blood mononuclear stem cells in patients with buerger's disease following stem cell mobilization with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor: a report of three cases]

ABSTRACT

Treatment with autologous peripheral blood mononuclear stem cells [PB-MNCs] has shown benefits in patients with Buerger's disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of PB-MNCs transplantation in patients with Buerger's disease. Three patients were treated by PB-MNCs transplantation. The patients received G-CSF at a dose of 5 ug/kg/day prior to the treatment. Stem cells were harvested from peripheral blood and injected directly into the muscle of the affected limbs. Patients reported pain relief after approximately one month. Venous oxygen saturation in the affected lower limb increased and clinical symptoms showed improvement. Angiographic scores were significantly improved in the transplanted patients. Satisfactory clinical improvements were observed by injecting PB-MNCs after G-CSF mobilization, suggesting that this novel cell therapy method is feasible, safe and efficient. No adverse effects were observed following the intramuscular administration of stem cells