Spinal Cord Research Help
AboutCategoriesLatest ResearchContact
Subscribe
Spinal Cord Research Help

Making Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Research Accessible to Everyone. Simplified summaries of the latest research, designed for patients, caregivers and anybody who's interested.

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About
  • Categories
  • Latest Research
  • Disclaimer

Contact

  • Contact Us
© 2025 Spinal Cord Research Help

All rights reserved.

  1. Home
  2. Research
  3. Spinal Cord Injury
  4. Preliminary Study of Autologous Bone Marrow Nucleated Cells Transplantation in Children With Spinal Cord Injury

Preliminary Study of Autologous Bone Marrow Nucleated Cells Transplantation in Children With Spinal Cord Injury

STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE, 2014 · DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2013-0141 · Published: February 3, 2014

Spinal Cord InjuryRegenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study explored the use of bone marrow cells to treat spinal cord injuries in children. Researchers wanted to see if transplanting these cells could help improve the children's condition and if the procedure was safe. The bone marrow cells were taken from the children themselves, processed, and then delivered directly into the spinal cord and bloodstream. The study found the cell transplantation to be generally safe, with some patients showing neurological improvements and a better quality of life, suggesting it could be a promising treatment for chronic spinal cord injuries in children.

Study Duration
6 Years
Participants
5 children with complete spinal cord injury
Evidence Level
Not specified

Key Findings

  • 1
    BMNC transplantation in children with complete SC injury is safe and feasible.
  • 2
    Neurological improvement was observed in two patients who received multiple implantations, including improved sensation and restored functions.
  • 3
    Spasticity and quality of life were improved in some patients, and skin pressure ulcers healed and did not recur.

Research Summary

This study assessed the safety and efficacy of transplanting bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNCs) to treat children with complete interruption of spinal cord (SC) continuity. The results indicate that a certain degree of neurological and quality-of-life improvement can be attained by children with chronic complete SC injury who receive multiple BMNC implantations. The preliminary results demonstrate the possibility of attaining neurological, motor and sensation, and quality-of-life improvement in children with chronic complete SCI with the use of multiple BMNC implantations.

Practical Implications

Treatment Strategy

Multiple BMNC implantations may be needed to achieve neurological and quality-of-life improvements in pediatric patients with chronic SCI.

Safety and Feasibility

The study supports the safety and feasibility of using BMNCs in pediatric SCI patients, extending safety reports from adult studies.

Wound Healing

Intravenous implantations of BMNCs may help prevent pressure ulcers and/or promote their healing.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Small number of patients
  • 2
    Heterogeneity in injury level and type among patients
  • 3
    Lack of a control group

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury