Autologous mesenchymal stem cells in chronic spinal cord injury

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs in the most productive part of life. Treatment options for treatment of chronic SCI are few and have limited impact on clinical outcome. Central nervous system (CNS) has limited intrinsic regeneration capability. The study included patients with chronic complete SCI. Previously harvested autologous mesenchymal stem cells were administered at the site of injury after a laminectomy. Follow-up was done by a neutral examiner not involved in the surgery every 3 months. One patient had improvement in motor power. Two patients had a patchy improvement in pin prick sensation below the level of injury. Three different, progressively increasing doses did not result in improvement in the clinical outcome. Though the administration of allogenic human mesenchymal stem cells is safe in patients with SCI, it may not be efficacious; especially in patients with chronic SCI.

Key words:

• Stem cells
• autologous mesenchymal stem cells
• autologous stem cells
• spinal cord injury
• chronic spinal cord injury

Declaration of interest:

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.