Chondrocyte Transplantation Benefits Some Patients With Rheumatic Disease

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Chondrocyte Transplantation Benefits Some Patients With Rheumatic Disease

BEIJING, Jun 09 (Reuters Health) - Autologous chondrocyte culture and

transplantation may benefit patients affected with chronic inflammatory

rheumatism, including those over 50, according to a poster presentation made

here at the Ninth Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology Congress.

Dr. E. Paresce and colleagues at the University of Milan, Italy, cultured and

transplanted autologous chondrocytes in 22 patients with serious cartilaginous

lesions, predominantly of the knee. Eleven patients experienced partial or total

symptomatic relief, including reduced pain and improved joint mobility.

" We think this is a positive result because we included patients over the age of

50 years, " Dr. Paresce said. " Our previous studies in patients with

osteochondrosis or traumatic lesions had indicated that a successful outcome, as

well as depending on the aetiology of the lesion, depended on the patient being

under the age of 45. "

In patients who required synovectomy, cartilage biopsy was delayed for

approximately 3 months in order to reduce the presence of inflammatory

substances, according to Dr. Paresce.

http://rheumatology.medscape.com/reuters/prof/2000/06/06.09/20000609clin016.html