Case Report: Stem cell therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor neuron disease leading to loss of upper and lower motor neurons at both spinal and bulbar levels. For patients with ALS rehabilitation is important to maintain functional independence, ensure safety and optimize quality of life but is not curative. Stem cell therapy (SCT) provides a new approach to treat previously incurable diseases although peer reviewed published evidence has shown no benefit in ALS for slowing disease progression or functional loss. This case report presents a patient with ALS who underwent SCT but deteriorated rapidly after the procedure. Whether the deterioration was due to the natural progress of the disease or expedited by SCT remains unknown. The ethical considerations of how marketing influences healthcare and individuals’ decisions in desperate situations along with reasons for taking desperate measures are discussed. Patient education and open communication with ALS patients are imperative in gaining patient satisfaction and overcoming ill effects that marketing could have on unconventional methods of intervention. Raising awareness about the availability and access to multidisciplinary care, the timing of decisions with regards to symptom management and end of life care have proven to enhance the quality of life for such patients.

Combined Tui na and Western medicine treatment improves pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A case report

“…Neurofeedback after Stem cell transplantation 30 d Temporary improvement Sharma et al [22] Male 40 Muscle atrophy of the limbs and weakness of the neck muscles Cell therapy and neurorehabilitation 16 mo Temporary improvement Hassan et al [23] Male 52 Unable to grip and falls frequently Stem cell therapy Twice (2 d) Loss of motor function after 6 mo Urata et al [24] Male 75 Dropped head syndrome Short-term intensive exercise program 2 wk Temporary improvement Lu gaochen et al [25] Female 48 Weakness of the limbs Washed microbiota transplantation 1 yr Maintain the status quo ALS = amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. www.md-journal.com results from the third test show improvements when compared to those from the first test, it is very difficult to predicate how long the effects of this treatment will be maintained.…”