Neurosurgery. 2010 Dec 16. [Epub ahead of print]
Autologous Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cell Therapy for Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in Children.
Cox CS Jr, Baumgartner JE, Harting MT, Worth LL, Walker PA, Shah SK, Ewing-Cobbs L, Hasan KM, Day MC, Lee D, Jimenez F, Gee A.
From the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Departments of Pediatric Surgery, Surgery, Pediatrics, and Diagnostic & Interventional Imaging; Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital; University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cell Therapy; Baylor College of Medicine Center for Cell and Gene Therapy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children is associated with substantial long-term morbidity and mortality. Currently, there are no successful neuroprotective/neuroreparative treatments for TBI. Numerous pre-clinical studies suggest that bone marrow derived mononuclear cells (BMMNCs), their derivative cells (marrow stromal cells), or similar cells (umbilical cord blood cells) offer neuroprotection.
OBJECTIVE: To determine if autologous BMMNCs are a safe treatment for severe TBI in children.
METHODS: Ten children aged 5-14 years with a post-resuscitation GCS of 5-8 were treated with 6X10 autologous BMMNCs/kg body weight delivered intravenously within 48 hours after TBI. To determine safety of the procedure, systemic and cerebral hemodynamics were monitored during bone marrow harvest; infusion related toxicity was determined by pediatric logistic organ dysfunction (PELOD) scores, hepatic enzymes, Murray lung injury scores, and renal function. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) data were obtained at 1 and 6 months post-injury, as were neuropsychologic and functional outcome measures.
RESULTS: All patients survived. There were no episodes of harvest related depression of systemic or cerebral hemodynamics. There was no detectable infusion related toxicity as determined by PELOD score, hepatic enzymes, Murray lung injury scores, or renal function. cMRI imaging comparing gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volumes showed no reduction from 1-6 months post injury. Dichotomized Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) at 6 months showed 70% with good outcomes and 30% with moderate to severe disability.
CONCLUSION: Bone marrow harvest and intravenous mononuclear cell infusion as treatment for severe TBI in children is logistically feasible and safe.
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