ESPE Abstracts

Objective: To observe and analyze the efficacy and safety of autologous stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) in children with type 1 diabetes.

Methods: Twelve children were enrolled in our study who were newly diagnosed as type 1 diabetes in Children's Hospital of Fudan University from Sep. 2009 to Dec. 2011. Changes in the exogenous insulin requirement were observed and HbA1C and C peptide level were measured before and after AHSCT.

Results: After transplantation, insulin dependence was observed in 2/12 patients. Complete remission rates were 2/3, 1/2 and 1/4 after transplantation for 6, 24 and 48 months respectively. The level of HbA1c decreased after transplantation. After 3 and 6 months, HbA1c level reduced significantly compared with basal level (5.21±1.01%, 5.82±0.60% vs 11.57±0.87%,P<0.01). The significant difference still exist after 24 months. Meanwhile, the C peptide level enhanced a lot. C peptide level after 6 and 12 months increased significantly (1.47±0.83ng/ml, 1.63±0.78ng/ml vs 0.55±0.14ng/ml,P<0.01). However, no relationship was found between complete remission duration and other parameters, such as height, weight, BMI, DKA or not, HbA1c level, C peptide level before transplantation. No serious complication was observed during the whole phase.

Conclusions: Our data indicated that AHSCT has slight complication and could significantly improved β-cell function. Although AHSCT failed to cure type 1 diabetes, but it can prolong the remission period for new onset patients.