Forty cases of cerebral palsy treated with human neural stem cell transplantation

Abstract

Objective To assess the clinical efficacy of human neural stem cell (hNSC) transplantation in the treatment of severe cerebral palsy (CP) in children. Methods hNSCs were obtained from the forebrain of 10 to 12-week-fetus. Forty children with CP were voluntarily received hNSC transplantation that were injected into cerebral ventricle. The development of motor and fine motor functions were evaluated by GMFM and PDMS-FM 1 month before hNSC transplantation, as well as 3 and 6 months after hNSC transplantation. Results Twenty six (65%) cases displayed improvement from day 5 to month 6 after hNSC transplantation. GMFM assessment showed that the percentage was (4.52±2.50)% 1 month before hNSC transplantation, (7.74±2.94)% 3 months after hNSC transplantation and (13.01±6.71)% 6 months after hNSC transplantation, indicating a significant improvement by the treatment of hNSC transplantation(P<0.05). The percentage in PDMS-FM evaluation was (15.01±12.00)%, (20.34±11.91)% and (30.02±12.50)% one month before hNSC transplantation, 3 and 6 months after hNSC transplantation, respectively, also suggesting a significant improvement induced by hNSC transplantation treatment(P<0.05). Moreover, the developmental improvement was the most prominent among 1-3 months post hNSC transplantation. Then the development slowed down. Significantly, patients received no hNSC transplantation experienced serious adverse events or complications. Conclusions hNSC transplantation is an effective and safer therapy for severe CP. Future observations are needed to evaluate long-term clinical efficacy of the therapy. Key words: Neural stem cell; Transplantation; Severe; Cerebral palsy