Immune Ablation and Stem Cell Support for Crohn's Disease

This study is designed to ablate an aberrant immune system and then, similar to the use of marrow transplants for immunodeficient patients, reconstitute a new immune system with lymphocyte depleted stem cells. Subsequent disease activity will be followed by (1) Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI), (2) quality of life instrument (IBDQ), (3) type and amount of therapy for CD, and (4) flow cytometry of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets. In addition, the subjects will undergo periodic absorption function testing, to assess small intestinal function. We anticipate that this study will also form the basis to clarify further the role of the immune system in Crohn's disease.