https://doi.org/10.4081/vl.2021.10016
Autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells for the treatment of lower extremity lymphedema: a preliminary report
Submitted: 5 August 2021
Accepted: 18 September 2021
Published: 27 December 2021
Accepted: 18 September 2021
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
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Lymphedema is a chronic devastating disease characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the extremities, tissue progressive changes such as adipose tissue deposition and fibrosis. To restore the functionality and structural integrity of the damaged lymphatic vessels, autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) was implanted in 3 sessions, 4 weeks apart, in the affected limb. Each patient was followed for 6 months, monitoring changes in the limb volume. Lymphangiogenesis was evaluated by lymphoscintigraphy, and the monitoring of quality of life. A rapid reduction in the volume of the limbs was observed: 24.5% of volume reduction after the first implant, 18.5% after the second, and 15.3% at 6 months after the third (p<0.05 vs baseline).
Lymphoscintigraphy showed a hyper fixation of the tracer along the ipsilateral iliac axis not appreciable at baseline. Implants of autologous PBMNC in patients with primary lower limb lymphedema seems to be a feasible, effective therapy option.
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How to Cite
Bellisi, M. (2021). Autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells for the treatment of lower extremity lymphedema: a preliminary report. Veins and Lymphatics, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/vl.2021.10016
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