title: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.
abstract: We explore the safety, and therapeutic benefit of intrathecal injection of ex-vivo expanded autologous bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in 10 patients with advanced multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months. Assessment at 3-6 months revealed Expanded Disability Scale Score (EDSS) improvement in 5/7, stabilization in 1/7, and worsening in 1/7 patients. MRI at 3 months revealed new or enlarging lesions in 5/7 and Gadolinium (Gd+) enhancing lesions in 3/7 patients. Vision and low contrast sensitivity testing at 3 months showed improvement in 5/6 and worsening in 1/6 patients. Early results show hints of clinical but not radiological efficacy and evidence of safety with no serious adverse events.
authors: Departments of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. yamoutba@idm.net.lb
authors: Bassem
authors: B
authors: Yamout
authors: Roula
authors: R
authors: Hourani
authors: Haytham
authors: H
authors: Salti
authors: Wissam
authors: W
authors: Barada
authors: Taghrid
authors: T
authors: El-Hajj
authors: Aghiad
authors: A
authors: Al-Kutoubi
authors: Aline
authors: A
authors: Herlopian
authors: Elizabeth Kfoury
authors: EK
authors: Baz
authors: Rami
authors: R
authors: Mahfouz
authors: Rima
authors: R
authors: Khalil-Hamdan
authors: Nabeela M A
authors: NM
authors: Kreidieh
authors: Marwan
authors: M
authors: El-Sabban
authors: Ali
authors: A
authors: Bazarbachi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D008297:Male; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome