The use of stem-cell grafts in combined immune deficiencies.

In 10 cases of CID, acute GVH reaction could be avoided by the use of small numbers of purified stem-cell concentrates. In 3 cases treated with stem cells from nonidentical donors, moderate delayed GVH reaction occurred. Death occurred from complicating infections. Bacteriologic decontamination is recommended as an additional precaution for future cases. This recommendation is supported by findings in germfree, as well as in specifically decontaminated, mice grafted with allogeneic marrow following x-irradiation in which mortality does not occur even after conventionalization after a limited period.