Stem Cell Therapy for Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Single Case Study Report

Abstract

Stroke is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Stem cell therapy holds a great promise where transplanted cells can migrate at the site of injury and trigger regeneration of neurons that can lead to functional improvement. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of autologous bone marrow and allogeneic cord blood stem cell transplantation in hemorrhagic stroke patients. In the present case report, autologous bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) and allogeneic cord blood stem cell (CBSCs) transplantation was done intrathecally (L4-L5) in a 54 year old patient who suffered from hemorrhagic stroke. Total five infusions were given. Changes in neurological deficits and functional improvements were compared between pre and post therapy assessments using National Institute Health (NIH) stroke scale. Two year follow up study revealed significant motor, sensory, cognitive, speech and facial improvements. NIH motor score changed from 4 to 1, sensory score from 2 to 0, facial score from 3 to 0 and speech score from 2 to 0 showing significant improvements. In patients with severe cerebral infarcts, the intrathecal infusion of BMSCs and CBSCs appears to be safe therapy without adverse effects, which improves motor, speech, sensory and facial functions.