Journal of Rheumatic Diseases  2013;20(2):118-122

doi:10.4078/jrd.2013.20.2.118

Remission of Lymphocytic Interstitial Pneumonia in Sjogren's Syndrome after Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation.

Han Na CHOI 1 ; Jung Yoon CHOE ; Si Hye KIM ; Seong Kyu KIM ; Hun Mo RYOO ; Sung Hoon PARK

Affiliations

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Keywords

Sjogren's syndrome; Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia; Stem cell transplantation

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Interstitial pneumonia occurs in approximately 25% of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome. Interstitial pneumonia combined with primary Sjogren's syndrome usually responds well to systemic steroids, and fatal cases are rare. Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia shows diffuse infiltration of polyclonal B and T cells. Autologous stem cell transplantation is performed in cases of primary Sjogren's syndrome as an optional treatment when the condition responds poorly to conventional treatment. The hypothesis that primary Sjogren's syndrome improves after transplantation relies on the role of B-cell abnormalities in pathogenesis or the strong effects of immunosuppressive therapy. We experienced the case of a patient diagnosed with primary Sjogren's syndrome and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia progression refractory to conventional treatment (steroid and immunosuppressive drugs) and cyclophosphamide pulse therapy. Our patient demonstrated improvement of lung manifestations and autoimmune disease activity after autologous stem cell transplantation.