Efficacy of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in treatment of new onset type 1 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective To investigate the efficacy of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods Databases were searched with the terms ′autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation′ and ′type 1 diabetes mellitus′. According to the predefined strategy, we performed study screening, data extraction and analysis. Results Seven trials met the inclusion criteria (n=112). Meta-analysis showed that glycosylated hemoglobin decreased by 3.32 (95%CI: -4.25 - -2.39; P<0.001) at 12 months after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Fasting C-peptide levels increased significantly at 6 and 12 months after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation therapy (MD=0.50, 95%CI: 0.28-0.72, P<0.001; MD=0.48, 95%CI: 0.29-0.67, P<0.001). Approximately 59.4% of patients became free of the need of insulin therapy for different durations. Conclusion To a certain extent, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation therapy for type 1 diabetes mellitus can decrease patients′ glycosylated hemoglobin, elevate their fasting C-peptide levels, and make patients become free of the need of insulin therapy for different durations. Key words: Type 1 diabetes mellitus; Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Meta-analysis