Background: A growing number of patients is treated with intrathecal application of autologous bone marrow cells (aBMCs), but clinical data are completely lacking in movement disorders. We provide first clinical data on efficacy and safety of this highly experimental treatment approach in parkinsonian syndromes.
Methods: Retrospective data collection from patients with parkinsonism who spontaneously sought cell treatment. The application procedure was neither recommended nor performed by the authors.
Results: We report 17 patients with parkinsonian syndromes (Parkinson's disease [PD], n = 7; multiple system atrophy [MSA], n = 7; various, n = 3) who received intrathecal application of aBMCs. We did not observe any changes in motor function, activities of daily living, global clinical impression, or antiparkinsonian medication after a median observation period of 10 months. Two patients reported a worsening of parkinsonian symptoms, but the intervention was otherwise safe and well-tolerated.
Conclusions: Intrathecal application of aBMCs in uncontrolled conditions produces no clinical benefit in parkinsonian syndromes.
Copyright © 2012 Movement Disorder Society.