Efficacy and security of matched unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplant with transfusion of multipotent mesenchymal cells in pediatric severe aplastic anemia

To observe the efficacy of matched unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) with transfusion of multipotent mesenchymal cells (MSC) in pediatric severe aplastic anemia (SAA).19 children with SAA received matched unrelated donor HSCT with MSC, and the hematopoietic recovery and transplant-associated complications of these children were monitored.All patients achieved rapid hematopoietic reconstruction after HSCT, and the median durations to neutrophil and platelet recovery were 12 (9-21) days and 14 (8-24) days respectively, but delayed rejection occurred in one case four months after HSCT. 9 cases developed grade Ⅰ acute graft-versus-host (aGVHD), and one case grade Ⅲ aGVHD and diffuse chronic graft-versus-host. Cytomegalovirus viremias were observed in 15 patients. 2 cases developed hemorrhagic cystitis, 10 children experienced infections. All the children were alive during a median following-up time of 27(8-70) months, one of them developed LPD and received rituximab and chemotherapy, delayed rejection occurred in this patient four months after HSCT, Haplo-identical HSCT from his father as the donor was performed and achieved successful engraftment.The matched unrelated donor HSCT with MSC in pediatric SAA was safe and effective.