Management of autoimmune diseases after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

Autologous and allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an option for the treatment of malignant and non-malignant diseases, including the severe autoimmune diseases. Intriguingly, the 'new' autoimmunity developing after transplantation is a constantly recognized phenomenon, which has to be differentiated from original disease relapse, toxicity, infection and graft-versus-host disease. The reported autoimmune diseases occurring in this setting are mainly antibody-associated and organ-specific, with scarce evidence in support for specific treatment options. This review focuses on current concepts on the pathogenesis, the available data on incidence, risk factors, manifestations and treatment of post-HSCT autoimmune diseases. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.