Improved Epilepsy and Speech Outcomes with Human Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of permanent neurological disorders which is prevalent in children of neonatal age and is often associated with epilepsy and speech disorders. The various conventional treatments and therapies available so far are unable to treat these comorbidities. In this study, we aimed to evaluate 101 patients with CP having speech disorders and epilepsy. The patients were treated using human embryonic stem cells (hESC) therapy and assessed by Gross Motor Function Classification System-Expanded and Revised (GMFCS-E & R) score. Materials and Methods: Patients were given hESCs via different routes of administration for duration of 8 weeks and evaluated before and after the treatment on the basis of their levels of gross and motor function of improvement, i.e., frequency of the epileptic attacks and ability to speak. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan investigations were also performed to support the studies. Results: There was an improvement in 96.61% of the epileptic patients and 91.39% of the patients with speech disorder. Of 59 patients affected with epilepsy, 18 patients had shown complete disappearance of epileptic episodes; and of 93 patients affected with speech, 27 patients became completely verbal. Conclusion: Hence, hESC therapy might be beneficial in patients with CP having epilepsy and speech disorders.

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Scan as a Diagnostic Tool in Children with Cerebral Palsy Treated with Human Embryonic Stem Cells

“…In another paper the co-relation between SPECT scan and GMFCS has been done. We have a lot of cognitive improvement that was not determined by GMFCS [15,16].…”

“…The study was conducted from Oct 2007 to July 2013 in Nutech Mediworld, New Delhi, India. The study design and the detailed techniques have been elaborated in our previous study [15,16]. Briefly, the study consisted of four treatment phases (T1,T2,T3,T4) separated by a gap phase of 4-6 months.…”

“…The treatment carried out at the centre is approved by the Independent Ethics Committee (IEC). The Institutional Committee of Stem Cell Research and Therapy (IC-SCRT) reports all the work with respect to embryonic stem cells to National Apex Body [16].…”