Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells in Spinal Cord Injury.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord injury is a traumatic neurological condition which makes the patient disable. Its management still remains challenging but advancements in the regenerative medicine have changed the approach of treating this serious debilitating condition of the central nervous system. Cell based therapies can restore function in spinal cord injury by replacing the lost neural tissue. These therapies also rejuvenate the existing intact neurons by facilitating remyelination and by repairing and reducing progressive tissue damage and scarring.

METHODS: Autologous bone marrow stem cells were collected from the patients. 5 ml of the processed sample was injected back into the patients via lumbar puncture at L1/L2 level. The bone marrow harvesting and administration was repeated every 4 weeks 3 times (12 weeks).

RESULTS: Significant improvements were noticed following the injections into the patients with the duration of injury less than 6 months. ASIA grade improvements were observed in 6 out of 10 patients. VTC and walking, at least with the support, was restored in eight patients. Bladder control and sexual functions improved in three and five patients respectively. Eight patients exhibited decreased spasticity.

DISCUSSION: We believe that autologous bone marrow stem cells contributed towards the neuroplaticity and/or paracrine effect due to which we observed the considerable improvements in the conditions of the patients.

CONCLUSION: This preliminary proof of patient improvement reinforces the potential of autologous bone marrow stem cell treatment in the patients suffering from Spinal Cord Injury. Although the results are encouraging further studies are needed to substantiate the claims.