Purified CD34+ Cells Transplantation in Patients with Angiitis-induced Chronic Limb-threatening Ischemia: A Single-center Retrospective Study over A 10-year Period

Background: Angiitis-induced chronic limb-threatening ischemia (AICLTI) is defined as chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) caused by thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) or other arteritis-related autoimmunological diseases. In the current study, we aimed to report the 10-year outcomes of AICLTI patients who underwent purified CD34⁺ cells (PCCs) transplantation.

Methods: AICLTI patients who underwent PCCs transplantation at our center from May 2009 to September 2011 were retrospectively enrolled. The main outcome was major amputation-free survival (MAFS); other outcomes included Rutherford classification, intolerable pain-free walking time (IPFWT), Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFPS), recurrence, new lesions, quality of life (QoL) and patients' posttransplantation work conditions.

Results: Twenty-four patients were enrolled with a mean age of 41.5±7.8 years. Three underwent major amputation during the follow-up, and the 10-year MAFS was 87.5%. Eight were observed to have recurrence, and 2 had new lesions; the 10-year recurrence-free rate was 66.1%. All patients were unable to work at admission, 17 (70.8%) patients were reemployed after transplantation.

Conclusion: The current study further demonstrated satisfactory long-term efficacy of PCCs transplantation, with a 10-year MAFS of 87.5%. However, the 10-year recurrence-free rate of 66.1% suggested that strict and regular long-term follow-up is necessary.