Abstract

TOCO, Igor et al. SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF SPINAL CORD INJURY WITH BONE MARROW MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS THERAPY. Rev. Méd. La Paz [online]. 2024, vol.30, n.2, pp.52-58.  Epub Sep 30, 2024. ISSN 1726-8958.

A traumatic spinal cord injury leads to motor and sensory dysfunction, dystonia and pathological reflexes that can cause paraplegia or tetraplegia. Effective and safe treatments for the management of this condition are insuffícient; however, mesenchymal stem cells can be a promising treatment in this type of injury.

Case study related to a patient with a transected spinal cord injury (transected at L1) referred to cell therapy as an alternative therapeutic procedure. Bone marrow- derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSCs) were obtained and subsequently administered in 4 quadrants of the spinal cord injury, as well as above and into the center of the injury. The patient was subsequently referred to physiotherapy to workout strengthen proprioception, functional electrostimulation and muscle rehabilitation.

Significant neurological improvement was observable 72 hours after BM-MSCs therapy. After the first week, an increase in the voluntary muscle contraction capacity, epicritic and proprioceptive sensitivity in both lower limbs were observed. After three months of physiotherapy support, the patient displayed significant increase in muscle strength in lower limbs and was even able to stand with the help of auxiliary devices for support.

Bone marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells therapy is a promising therapeutic procedure in spinal cord injuries. It is of medical and social interest to establish pathways for protocolling and optimizing the procedure.

Keywords : Bone marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells; cell therapy; spinal cord injury.

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