Stroke

Biography

Biography: Alok Sharma

Abstract

Cellular therapy is being widely explored in the management of stroke and has demonstrated great potential. It has shown to help the repair of the central nervous system by promoting angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and reduction of glial scar formation. In this study, we have analyzed the eff ect of intrathecal administration of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) on 24 patients diagnosed with chronic stroke. Th ese patients were also advised a personalized multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation program. Th ese patients were followed up for minimum of 6 months to maximum of 4.5 years.Th ey were assessed on functional independence measure (FIM) objectively, along with assessment of standing and walking balance, ambulation, and hand functions. On comparison of the PET CT scans performed before and aft er the therapy, Increased FDG uptake was recorded in 3 patients. Out of 24 patients, 12 improved in ambulation, 10 in hand functions, 6 in standing balance, and 9 in walking balance. It was found that, patients of the younger groups showed higher percentage of improvement in all the areas. Also, patients who underwent cell therapy within 2 years aft er the stroke showed better changes as compared to the other group. We also found that ischemic type of stroke had better recovery than the hemorrhagic stroke. Th ere were no major adverse events recorded on follow up. Th is study demonstrates the potential of intrathecal autologous cell therapy in improving the prognosis of functional recovery in chronic stroke.