Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.
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.
Yamout
Bassem
B
Departments of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. yamoutba@idm.net.lb
Hourani
Roula
R
Salti
Haytham
H
Barada
Wissam
W
El-Hajj
Taghrid
T
Al-Kutoubi
Aghiad
A
Herlopian
Aline
A
Baz
Elizabeth Kfoury
EK
Mahfouz
Rami
R
Khalil-Hamdan
Rima
R
Kreidieh
Nabeela M A
NM
El-Sabban
Marwan
M
Bazarbachi
Ali
A
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