Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for mucopolysaccharidosis patients: a single-center experience and assessment of quality of life.

backgroundAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has proven to be a viable treatment option for patients with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS). We investigate the efficacy and improvements in the quality of life of HSCT in pediatric patients with MPS.

methodsA retrospective analysis of transplantation data from 46 cases of MPS from a single institution in China was conducted.

resultsThe cohort of 46 patients included 9 cases of MPS I, 16 cases of MPS II, 15 cases of MPS IVA and 6 cases of MPS VI. The median age at diagnosis was 2.59 years. The median age at transplantation was 3.80 years. The median follow-up time was 3.1 years (range, 0.8-8.1 years) and 43 patients were alive. The incidence of grades II to IV aGVHD was 17.4%, wherein the incidence of grades III and IV aGVHD was 4.3%. The incidence of moderate-to-severe cGVHD was 6.5%. GAGs urinary excretion decreased and enzyme activity levels reached normal. After HSCT, multiple bone dysplasia, upper-airway obstruction and recurrent otitis media were significantly improved; vision, corneal clouding, cardiovascular disease, hepatosplenomegaly and hydrocephalus were improved or remained stable; neurological symptoms were improved or remained stable in most patients but progressed in others; the patients with MPS IH/S and MPS II reached nearly normal growth rate of height and weight. Meanwhile, the patients with MPS IH, MPS IVA and MPS VI remained poor growth after HSCT. The Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores were improved in most patients with MPS. ADL scores in patients with severe phenotypes were lower than health control subjects and patients with attenuated phenotypes.

conclusionsHSCT is a good therapeutic option for MPS and improves the quality of life of patients. MPS patients with attenuated phenotypes provide a better outcome in ADL after HSCT.