Experience with stem cell therapy in neonates: Hope or disappointment?

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Stem Cell Therapy
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy presents a potential new treatment for various neonatal diseases.
• This study investigated the clinical profile, effectiveness, and early prognosis of neonates receiving MSC therapy in Turkiye.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical characteristics, efficacy, and early prognosis of neonates treated with MSC therapy.
• To assess the impact of MSC therapy timing and dosage on treatment response and outcomes in neonatal diseases.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted across multiple centers from 2015 to 2022.
• Data collected included antenatal, natal, and postnatal factors, MSC therapy indications, timing, dosage, and treatment response.
• Treatment response was assessed by indicators like reduced respiratory support or extubation within 72 hours, alongside pre/post-discharge evaluations.

Main Results:

• MSC therapy was used for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
• Eighty-one percent of neonates responded to MSC therapy, with higher antenatal steroid use correlating with better response.
• Early treatment (≤30 days) was associated with improved discharge rates and reduced mortality compared to later treatment (>30 days).

Conclusions:

• Early Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for bronchopulmonary dysplasia appears promising.
• Further large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to optimize timing, dosage, and understand long-term outcomes of MSC therapy in neonates.