![]() Still, as of June 2022, investigators have treated 50 of the 81 patients needed. The COVID-19 pandemic had a major effect on trial operations as investigators had to shut down enrollment for close to six months. One patient withdrew at the eight-week visit to seek other treatment for refractory disease.īased on these early promising results, the study has now transitioned to a Phase II trial, which will include up to 81 study participants. Steroids were also reduced to or maintained at 10mg or less per day in five of the six patients. This decline in SLEDAI was sustained for 52 weeks. Overall, five of the six women achieved a clinically meaningful decrease in lupus disease activity scores as measured by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). While some patients reported nausea, tingling and flushing, there were no serious adverse events in response to MSCs treatment. Six women with refractory lupus were treated with MSCs derived from umbilical cord tissue. In the preceding Phase I clinical trial, solely funded by the LFA, investigators at the Medical University of South Carolina sought to determine if MSCs therapy was safe to use in people with lupus. Although it shows promise, more research is needed before it becomes a universal treatment for children with cerebral palsy.In 2018, the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) agreed to provide $3.8 million to support a Phase II clinical study of stromal cells as a potential new therapy for lupus. Remember that stem cell research for cerebral palsy is still in its early stages. Scientists suggest that it will likely take a combination of treatments, both traditional and new, to improve outcomes for those with cerebral palsy. This research is currently in the clinical trial phase, which means that the focus of the research is to determine if the therapy would be safe for all patients. This type of treatment would allow the child’s own stem cells to be used in repairing their damaged tissues. Research is also being performed on medications that may stimulate the production of new stem cells in the body. Drugs to Help Target Stem Cells in Children’s Brains In turn, medical professionals hope it can bring new and improved forms of treatment. These cells may help provide valuable information about how cerebral palsy works. Pluripotent stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, are being studied and used to create different types of brain cells. Stem Cell Research to Learn More About Cerebral Palsy Furthermore, since animals are not human, the results are never an exact match. However, the reason this happens is still not entirely understood. ![]() Some studies have shown that stem cells can reduce symptoms and reduce brain damage in animals. Scientists and physicians test different types of stem cells in animals with brain damage to see what they do. Numerous research strategies focus on finding the most effective stem cell therapy for children with cerebral palsy. Current Animal Research on Stem Cell Therapy While medical experts state that there is difficulty in identifying which therapy helps more, the stem cell therapy or physical therapy, the combination of both gives the child the best chances of success. Physical therapy is almost always recommended after stem cell therapy. This progression is crucial to the treatment’s success. The hope is that the stem cells will develop into nerve cells that can build connections with other cells.įurthermore, once the cells make connections with other cells, they need to be able to deliver messages to the muscles that control movement. What Is a Stem Cell Transplant for Children With Cerebral Palsy?ĭuring a stem cell transplant, a physician injects stem cells into the child either intravenously, via a vein, or intrathecally, via lumbar puncture into the spinal column. ![]() ESCs develop in the mass of the blastocyst and can spread and grow into different cell types. Embryonic Stem CellsĮmbryonic stem cells (ESCs) are stem cells found in the early embryonic period. There are two types of stem cells, which include: Adult Stem CellsĪdult stem cells are found in people who are already grown and are capable of supplying new cells to repair damaged tissues. Stem cells are primitive cells that can develop into different cell types and, in turn, form different tissues. However, this treatment is still in its infancy, and more research is needed. Early studies indicate it could reduce symptoms and brain damage. Stem cell therapy presents a promising treatment option for children with cerebral palsy. Sources of information for the article are listed at the bottom.įor any content issues please Contact Us. This article has been fact checked by a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |