Clinical Evaluation of the efficiency of allogeneic cord blood transfusion in patients with autism

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is found in 1 case per 160 children and increases annually. The etiology of ASD has not yet been identified, and therefore no effective treatment is available. The therapy is focused on rehabilitation, psychological and pedagogical methods that increase patients' socialization. According to the latest findings, immune response disorders and ischemic brain damage are detected in ASD pathogenesis. In regard to this, a clinical study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of transfusion of allogeneic cord blood cells, as they participate in the regulation of the immune response and stimulation of neo-angiogenesis. A total of 20 children participated in the study (10 in control and 10 with the study group). Cell transfusion was performed three times with an interval of 1 month in the amount of 8-10х 107/per kg of patient weight. Efficiency and safety were assessed by the general condition of children, assessment of disease severity by ATEC scale, cytokine levels in plasma (IL1b, IL6, TNF-alpha, IL8, y-IFN) and immune status (CD3+; CD3+CD8+; CD3+CD4+; CD16+CD56+ and CD19+) before and after treatment, observation period - 12 months The study proved the safety of the method, the reduction of the disease severity by ATEC. No significant changes in cytokine profile and immune status were detected.