The effect of transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells to spinal cord on the recovery of urinary bladder function in patients having spinal cord injuries: a urodynamic study

Abstract

Introduction Stem cells transplantation, as a therapeutic intervention for spinal cord injury (SCI), has been extensively studied by researchers in recent years. Our study aimed to study the effect of transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells into spinal cord by intrathecal injection on the recovery of urinary bladder function assessed by a urodynamics study in patients having SCIs. Patients and methods A total of 69 patients who had cervical incomplete tetraplegia were divided into two groups: group 1 had 37 patients who were treated with adipose-derived stem cells transplanted into spinal cord via intrathecal injection and were assessed by a urodynamic study before stem cell transplantation and then 6 months and 1 year after transplantation, and group 2 had 32 patients who underwent rehabilitation program only and were assessed by a urodynamic study before starting rehabilitation and then 6 months and 1 year after program. Results Eight (21.62%) patients benefitted from stem cells transplantation into spinal cord regarding urinary bladder function as assessed by urodynamics in varying degrees, but there was no significant difference between both groups. Conclusion Stem cells transplantation is a promising treatment for patients having SCI.

Keywords

• spinal cord injury
• stem cell transplantation
• urodynamics