Pilot Study Shows Umbilical Cord Stem Cells are
Effective in the Treatment of Cerebral Palsy in Children
A pilot study involving 7 children with Cerebral Palsy treated
with umbilical cord stem cells has shown: (1) No rejection or
adverse reaction issues; (2) Clinically and statistically signficant
improvements in a number of areas of function.
San Clemente, CA (PRWEB) August 31, 2004 -- A pilot study
involving 7 children with Cerebral Palsy treated with umbilical cord
stem cells abroad has shown: (1) No rejection or adverse reaction
issues; (2) Clinically and statistically significant improvements in
a number of physical and mental functions.
During 2003 seven (7) children with Cerebral Palsy were treated with
pure umbilical cord stem cells as part of a pioneering pilot study.
No immunosuppressant drugs were given and no rejection or adverse
reactions occurred (No Host v. Graft or Graft v. Host).
The Steenblock Research Institute (a California non-profit
corporation) has systematically documented and analyzed the physical
and mental responses of these children. Most have shown decreased
spasticity and various kinds and degrees of motor skill and
cognitive improvement. Analysis of specially designed questionnaires
completed by parents and caregivers has shown statistically
significant improvements in such areas of function as muscle tone,
leg movement, hip movement, thinking and understanding.
These responses were underscored by corroborative evaluation reports
and statements tendered by pediatricians, pediatric neurologists,
physical therapists, teachers, and others involved in the care of
many of these children. In addition, most of the parents videotaped
or photographed their children at regular intervals prior to and
following umbilical cord stem cell therapy. This visual record has
lent added weight to SRI's findings.
One of the most spectacular responses in the study was a very young
boy who was cortically blind prior to umbilical cord stem cell
therapy. Five months following treatment he began to track objects
with his eyes.
Just as remarkable was the response of 4 year old little girl with
microcephaly (i.e, abnormally small head size) who experienced
significant head growth in the six months immediately following
treatment with umbilical cord stem cells. Her father remarked that,
“This is the most it has grown in years. One of Sarah's
neurologists confirmed this measurement and was very pleased with
the growth. I am also very, very pleased!”
A formal paper based on SRI’s findings has been submitted to the
peer-reviewed journal, "Cell Transplantation."
|