Autologous Endothelial Progenitor Cells Transplantation for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A 4-Year Follow-Up Study.

ABSTRACT: Transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is a proven safe and effective method for treatment of cerebral ischemia in animal experiments. However, safety and efficacy need to be determined in clinical trials. We performed a two-center, randomized, placebo-controlled phase I/IIa trial with blinded outcome assessment on 18 patients with acute cerebral infarct within the middle cerebral artery territory, and followed for up to 4 years. Autologous ex vivo expanded EPCs were injected intravenously in the EPC group, and patients who received saline or autologous bone marrow stromal cells served as control groups. Mortality of any cause, adverse events, and new-onset comorbidities were monitored. Changes in neurological deficits were assessed at different time points. We found no tox

SUBMITTER: Fang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6312444 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature