title: Mesenchymal stem cell application in children with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
abstract: Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a serious, often fatal disease that responds poorly to current treatment modalities. Recently, the ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to produce neurotrophic factors and inflammatory molecules has placed them among potential treatment agents for neurological conditions. We report the results of four patients treated with MSC for SSPE. The patients were followed up clinically, and by periodical laboratory evaluations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and electroencephalography. One patient deteriorated to stage III of the disease, two patients remained in the same stage, and one died from disease progression and respiratory problems. Neurological findings and electroencephalography scores were consistent with the clinical course of the patient whereas MRI showed new inflammatory lesions in two patients. This is the first report of the application of MSC in SSPE. No benefit is demonstrated.
authors.affiliation: Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Bariş
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kuşkonmaz
authors.affiliation: Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Duygu
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Uçkan
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Dilek
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yalnizoğlu
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Science, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mintaze
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Günel
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Kader
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Karli Oğuz
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Bahadir
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Konuşkan
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Banu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Anlar
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D013344:Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis / Q000601:surgery*