Safety and feasibility of autologous umbilical cord blood transfusion in 2 toddlers with cerebral palsy and the role of low dose granulocyte-colony stimulating factor injections

Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2011;29(1):17-22. doi: 10.3233/RNN-2011-0572.

Abstract

Purpose: Cerebral palsy (CP) with a prevalence of 2.1 per 1,000 live births generates variable degrees of incurable developmental disability. The aim of the present report was to provide insight in the safety and feasibility of autologous umbilical cord blood (UCB) transfusion with low dose Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) injections in improving the functional outcome of children with cerebral palsy.

Methods: Two toddlers with diagnosed CP were given autologous umbilical cord blood (UCB) transfusion accompanied by low dose subcutaneous granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) injections.

Results: Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) improvements were seen in both without any side effects being noted to date.

Conclusion: In this first report, autologous UCB based intervention in tandem with low dose sc G-CSF administration seems to be feasible and safe with encouraging functional outcome improvements in children with CP.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Transfusion, Autologous / adverse effects
  • Blood Transfusion, Autologous / methods*
  • Cerebral Palsy / drug therapy
  • Cerebral Palsy / physiopathology
  • Cerebral Palsy / therapy*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Combined Modality Therapy / adverse effects
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Fetal Blood / transplantation*
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / administration & dosage*
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Male

Substances

  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor