This study will explore safety and efficacy of allogeneic umbilical cord (UC) derived mesenchymal stem cells transplantation (MSCT) to treat patients with active and refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have been resistant to multiple standard treatments. The underlying hypothesis is that the active SLE condition is caused by an abnormal immune homeostasis that can be restored by MSCT.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. All patients fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria of SLE, man or woman aged from 15 to 70 years old, SLEDAI≥8; 2. Lupus nephritis with 24h urine protein≥1g; 3. Refractory disease as determined by failure of the following regimens: Trial of corticosteroids (oral prednisone more than 20 mg/day); Trial of cyclophosphamide 0.4 \~ 0.6 / m2 every two weeks for six months, or other immunosuppressive drugs, such as mycophenolate mofetil 2 g / day, for three months; 4. Patients must sign an informed consent indicating that they are aware of the investigational nature of the study in keeping with the policy of the hospital; 5. Willing to use contraception throughout the study and for 12 months following treatment
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School
Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
RECRUITINGBritish Isles Lupus Assessment Group score (BILAG)
Time frame: up to 12 months
Lupus serology (Alb, ANA, dsDNA, C3, C4)
Time frame: pre-MSC transplantation, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post MSC transplantation
Renal function (GFR, Blood Urea Nitrogen, urinalysis)
Time frame: pre-MSC transplantation, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post MSC transplantation (for GFR assessed at baseline and 12 months after MSCT)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.