Intraarterial infusion of autologous lymphocytes for the treatment of refractory lymphoedema. Preliminary report.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the results of the treatment of lymphoedema by intra-arterial infusion of autologous lymphocytes.


METHODS
Open study.


METHODS
University Hospital.


METHODS
13 patients with refractory lymphoedema.


METHODS
Lymphocytes were separated from the patient's own blood using a blood cell separator; about 100 cc of lymphocyte dominant blood separated from this blood was immediately infused into the proximal artery of the affected limb. Infusion was practiced once a week, and repeated 4 to 6 times.


METHODS
Change in size of the affected limb (defined as the difference between the affected limb and the normal limb after treatment), and softening of the edema (measured with a tension gauge).


RESULTS
In all 13 patients there was softening of the affected hard limb followed by a reduction in the size of the limb (mean 64%), and the ache and sensation of heat in the limb lessened. The reduction in size was maintained in 9 of the 13 patients for three months, despite returning to their normal activities.


CONCLUSIONS
Intra-arterial infusion of autologous lymphocytes is a promising treatment for refractory lymphoedema.
Nagata
Y
Y
Department of Radiology, Kyoto University Hospital, Japan.
Murata
R
R
Mitsumori
M
M
Okajima
K
K
Ishigaki
T
T
Ohya
N
N
Fujiwara
K
K
Abe
M
M
Kumada
K
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D017710:Lymphocyte Transfusion / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome