Hematopoietic stem cells for systemic sclerosis

The aim of this study is to assess the safety and feasibility of autologous peripheral hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with systemic sclerosis, following patient conditioning with high-dose cyclophosphamide and anti-thymocyte globulin. Treatment resulted in improvement in skin thickness and forced vital capacity and pulmonary function for up to 2 years. Guidelines for cardiac screening of patients with systemic sclerosis to assess treatment-related risk from pulmonary artery hypertension, primary cardiac involvement, or pericardial disease should be considered, as this can be life-threatening.