title: Safety and efficacy of cell therapies administered in the acute and subacute stages after stroke: a meta-analysis.
abstract: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of cell therapies administered acutely/sub-acutely after stroke.
  
  
  
  Five databases were searched for studies examining the safety/efficacy of cell therapies administered ≤90 days post-stroke. Reporting quality and adherence to research guidelines were evaluated. Safety and efficacy were assessed using risk ratios/pooled incidence rates and Hedge's g, respectively.
  
  
  
  11 therapies (Nstudies= 28) were trialed: reporting quality was high, but adherence to guidelines low. Serious adverse events were observed following five treatments; six improved outcomes. There was a trend toward larger treatment effects in non-blinded studies, younger participants, and higher dosages.
  
  
  
  Although a number of therapies appear effective, many studies did not control for normal recovery (standard-care). Long-term safety also needs to be established.
authors: Faculty of Health Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
authors: David J
authors: DJ
authors: Unsworth
authors: Faculty of Health Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
authors: Jane L
authors: JL
authors: Mathias
authors: Faculty of Health Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
authors: Diana S
authors: DS
authors: Dorstyn
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D064987:Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy; D006801:Humans; D012449:Safety; D020521:Stroke / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: acute; cell therapy; efficacy; growth factors; meta-analysis; safety; stem cells; stroke