INTRAARTERIAL INFUSION OF AUTOLOGOUS LYMPHOCYTES FOR THE TREATMENT OFREFRACTORY LYMPHEDEMA

Objective: To evaluate the results of the treatment of lymphoedema by intra-arterial infusion of autologous lymphocytes. Design: Open study. Setting: University Hospital. Subjects: 13 patients with refractory l ymphoedema. Interventions: Lymphocytes were separated from the patient 's own blood using a blood cell separator; about 100 cc of lymphocyte dominant blood separated from this blood was immediately infused into the proximal artery of the affected limb. Infusion was practiced once a week, and repeated 4 to 6 times. Main outcome measures: Change in si ze of the affected limb (defined as the difference between the affecte d limb and the normal limb after treatment), and softening of the edem a (measured with a tension gauge). Results: In all 13 patients there w as softening of the affected hard limb followed by a reduction in the size of the limb (mean 64%), and the ache and sensation of heat in the limb lessened. The reduction in size was maintained in 9 of the 13 pa tients for three months, despite returning to their normal activities. Conclusion: Intra-arterial infusion of autologous lymphocytes is a pr omising treatment for refractory lymphoedema.