Cord Blood Shown To Help Cerebral Palsy Treatment
Another study published in STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE shows that autologous umbilical cord blood can improve motor function in young children with cerebral palsy.
Jessica M. Sun of Duke University Medical Center and her colleagues conducted this Phase 2 trial initially using a single intravenous infusion of autologous cord blood. They administered it to 63 children aged 1 to 6 years with cerebral palsy, then followed it with a second infusion one year later. At the beginning of the trial and at one and two years post-treatment, the children’s motor function and brain connectivity were studied.
To summarise the successful results of the study, the author writes:
The researchers observed no difference in mean change in Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66) scores at one year between placebo and treated groups, although a dosing effect was identified. At one year after ACB treatment, there were significantly greater increases in GMFM-66 scores, above those predicted by age and severity, among those who received doses ≥2 × 107/kg. Additionally, there were significant improvements in Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 Gross Motor Quotient scores and normalized brain connectivity.
– Jessica M. Sun, M.D., Duke University Medical Center
This is a major break-through for stem cell research into the treatment of life-affecting conditions.
Click here to read the full study in STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE.