[A case of POEMS syndrome responding to autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation].

The patient, a 44-year-old male, subjectively noticed edema in his lower legs in March, 2010. By June 2010, he could not walk, and was admitted to this hospital. Since multiple neuropathy, increased serum vascular endothelial growth factor-3, M-proteinemia, edema, pericardial effusions, papilledema, increased platelet count and skin lesions were detected in the complete examination, he was diagnosed with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-proteinemia and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome. Treatment with steroid and furosemide was initiated in September 2010. This markedly improved edema and brought about mild recovery of proximal lower-limb muscle strength. The patient, however, suffered prolonged difficulty in walking because his distal lower-limb muscle strength was not improved. In October 2010, he received treatment with high-dose cyclophosphamide, followed by peripheral blood stem cell sampling with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor. In November 2010, he underwent treatment with high-dose melphalan, followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Recovery to neutrophils greater than 500 was achieved at 13 days after transplantation. He could walk without assistance in February 2011. M-protein was not identified by immunofixation electrophoresis in August 2011. Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation is regarded as a useful treatment for POEMS syndrome.