Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: Retrospective chart review documenting the clinical, electrophysiologic, and laboratory characteristics of patients with POEMS syndrome undergoing ASCT at Mayo Clinic, Rochester. RESULTS: Sixty patients with a median follow-up time of 61 months were studied. All patients had peripheral polyneuropathy and demonstrated neurologic improvement after ASCT (apart from one patient who died early). Before ASCT, 27 patients (45%) required a wheelchair and 17 (29%) required a walker or foot brace. At the end of the follow-up period, no patient was using a wheelchair and 23 patients (38%) were using a foot brace. The median Neuropathy Impairment Score improved from 66 to 48 points at 12 months and to 30 points at most recent follow-up (p < 0.0001). Median Rankin Scale score improved from 3 to 1.5 (p < 0.0001). Vascular endothelial growth factor levels decreased from a median of 452 to 63.5 pg/mL (p < 0.0001). The ulnar compound motor action potential amplitude (median) improved from 4.3 to 7.6 mV (p < 0.0001) and ulnar compound motor action potential conduction velocity (median) improved from 34 to 51 m/s (p < 0.0001). Predicted forced vital capacity improved from 81% to 88% (p < 0.0001). Periengraftment syndrome occurred in 24 patients. Fourteen patients required additional chemotherapy and/or radiation following ASCT, but there was no clinical deterioration in the neuropathy in any of these patients. Six patients died: 1 due to POEMS, 1 due to failed engraftment, and 4 due to other malignancies (2 myelodysplastic syndrome, 1 lymphoma, 1 metastatic lung cancer). CONCLUSION: Patients with POEMS syndrome who undergo ASCT have a significant and meaningful improvement of their neuropathy by multiple measurements during both short and long-term follow-up, which corresponds to reduction in morbidity and disability (none are in wheelchair long-term). Periengraftment syndrome was common but manageable. Fatal complications, although rare, did occur, usually in association with other malignancies. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class IV evidence that for patients with POEMS syndrome, ASCT improves neuropathy-related function.
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Authors | Chafic Karam, Christopher J Klein, Angela Dispenzieri, P James B Dyck, Jay Mandrekar, Anita D'Souza, Michelle L Mauermann |
Journal | Neurology
(Neurology)
Vol. 84
Issue 19
Pg. 1981-7
(May 12 2015)
ISSN: 1526-632X [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 25878176
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | © 2015 American Academy of Neurology. |
Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- POEMS Syndrome
(diagnosis, rehabilitation, therapy)
- Retrospective Studies
- Stem Cell Transplantation
(methods)
- Transplantation, Autologous
- Treatment Outcome
- Young Adult
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