1439 - Efficacy Studies of Stem Cell Therapy for Neuromuscular Rehabilitation of Post-Stroke Patients

Friday, February 23, 2024

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM EDT

Presenting Author(s)

NM

Neil Makwana, DO

Resident Physician
Creighton University Arizona Health Alliance
Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Co-Author(s)

DK

Dr. Christina Kwasnica, MD

Director of PM&R, Stroke and Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Barrow Neurological Institute
Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Objectives: Strokes are a significant healthcare challenge, necessitating effective rehabilitation strategies to improve patient outcomes. Advancements in stroke rehabilitation include investigating stem cell therapy's potential to enhance neuromuscular recovery. This systematic literature review aims to assess the efficacy of stem cell therapy, particularly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and bone marrow transplantation, in post-stroke neurorehabilitation.

Design: A comprehensive review of articles utilizing PRISMA framework was conducted, with eight articles meeting eligibility criteria investigating stem cell therapy’s impact on neuromuscular rehabilitation in stroke patients. PubMed and MEDLINE/OVID databases were meticulously searched, with research on study design, sample size, endpoints, adverse events, and limitations.

Results: Several key trends emerged from article reviews. The studies primarily focused on MSC-based therapies for ischemic stroke recovery. A notable trend was the reported improvement in motor function following stem cell therapy, often assessed using various functional scales. However, while motor function frequently improved, it did not consistently translate into significant differences in modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, which assess overall disability and functional outcomes. Notably, the safety profile of stem cell therapy was generally favorable, with low incidence of adverse events across multiple trials. Furthermore, certain studies indicated potential long-term benefits, with sustained improvements in function and neurological assessments over extended follow-up periods.

Conclusions: Article analysis suggests stem cell therapy, particularly MSC-based approaches, offers promise for enhancing post-stroke neurorehabilitation, particularly with motor function improvement and safety. However, it is essential to acknowledge the variability in results among different studies. Not all observed improvements reached statistical significance. While these findings can potentially improve the quality of life in stroke survivors, further research with randomized controlled trials is warranted to establish the therapy's efficacy, optimal dosages, and long-term effects. Stem cell therapy could potentially be a promising adjunct to traditional rehabilitation strategies in stroke care, offering hope for enhanced recovery and patient well-being.