Autologous bone marrow cell transplantation in acute spinal cord injury--an Indian pilot study

Phase- I/II, prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled pilot study.

To determine the safety and feasibility of autologous bone marrow transplantation in patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI) via two routes of transplantation as compared with controls.

Indian Spinal Injuries Center, New Delhi.

Twenty-one subjects with acute, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A (complete), traumatic SCI with neurological level T1-T12, were recruited and randomized into three groups of seven subjects each. Two groups underwent cell transplantation through the intrathecal or intralesional route, whereas the third served as control. Participants were assessed at baseline and followed up at 6 months and 12-months post enrollment. Safety and tolerability were evaluated by monitoring for any adverse events. Efficacy was assessed through neurological, functional and psychological evaluation, as well as through electrophysiological studies and urodynamics.

Surgery was tolerated well by all participants. There were no significant adverse events attributable to the procedure. There was no significant improvement in the neurological, electrophysiological or urodynamic efficacy variables. A statistically significant improvement in functional scores as evaluated by the Spinal Cord Independence Measure and International Spinal Cord Injury Scale was observed in all groups.

The procedure is safe and feasible in AIS A participants with thoracic-level injuries at 12-months follow-up. No efficacy could be demonstrated that could be attributed to the procedure.