Observation Of Effects Of Transplantation Of Autologous Endothelial Progenitor Cells In Children With Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Objective: To investigate the feasibility, safety, and initial clinicaloutcome of autologous endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)transplantation in children with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH).Methods: We conducted a before-after controlled study on comparing the effects of EPC transplantation in children with IPAH. The right-sided heart catheterization and 6-minute walk test were performed at baseline and at the time of 3 months after EPC transplantation.Results: 13 children with IPAH received transplantation of autologous EPCs. The mean distance covered in the six-minute walk test increased from 230±56 m at base line to 270 + 65 m after 3 months (P<0.01).During the same period, the mean pulmonary arterial pressure decline from 62+10 mmHg to 55 + 12mmHg(P <0. 01), cardiac output increased from 3.6+1.2 liters per minute to 3.9 + 1. 1 liters per minute, and pulmonary vascular resistance declined from 1195 + 437dyn.sec.cm'5 to 997+ 427dyn.sec.cm'5 (P <0. 01). There were no severe adverse events with cell infusion.Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that transplantation of autologous EPC appeared to be feasible and safe, and may have beneficial effects on exercise capacity and pulmonary hemodynamics in children with IPAH.