Spastic paralysis after traumatic brain injury treated by autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transplantation on spastic paralysis after traumatic brain injury. Methods During May 2009 to April 2014, the clinical data about 33 patients with spastic paralysis after traumatic brain injury were retrospectively analyzed. Bone marrow puncture was performed under general anesthesia. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (2×107) were intrathecally transplanted once a week for four weeks. The measurement points contain before treatment, one month, three months and six months after treatment. Muscular tension and movement disorders were evaluated using modified Ashworth scale and Brunnstrom stage classification respectively. Besides that, brain PET/CT, electroencephalo-graphy and electromyography were recorded. Results Muscular tone was improved one month after treatment . Movement disorders were improved 3 months after treatment. PET/CT revealed the glucose metabolism defect was ameliorated in 5 cases 3 months after transplantation. No apparent change was found on the electroencephalography or electromyography after transplantation. Conclusion The clinical efficacy of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on spastic paralysis after traumatic brain injury was detected by modified Ashworth scale and Brunnstrom stage classification after treatment. No any adverse reactions in the treatment were found by clinical observation and imageological examination. Key words: Brain injuries; Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells; Spastic paralysis; Muscle tone