Stem cells saved patient from amputation of hands
The use of skin–isolated stem cells and collagen tubes, a technique developed earlier and successfully used to connect nerve ruptures in a rat model, allowed scientists at the University of Milan to conduct an experimental procedure that ensured the restoration of peripheral nerves of the shoulder parts of the patient's arms, who otherwise would have been threatened with amputation.
According to the head of the study, Dr. Ivan Torrente, the restoration of peripheral nerve damage with satisfactory preservation of functions remains a very difficult task for surgeons. However, the authors suggested that the use of autologous (own) skin stem cells placed inside collagen tubes to connect nerve ruptures would ensure nerve restoration and save a patient with multiple injuries to motor and sensitive nerve fibers from amputation.
Despite the fact that the "gold standard" of reconstructive surgery is the transplantation of fragments of autologous nerves, the researchers concluded that in this case this approach was unacceptable for a number of reasons, including the availability of transplants, the painfulness of receiving them and neuropathic pain.
The researchers note that autologous skin stem cells have a number of advantages over other stem cells, since they are easily isolated, multiply rapidly in the laboratory, and also survive well and integrate into the recipient's tissues.
On the other hand, the technology previously tested by the authors of using NeuraGen collagen tubes, the clinical use of which is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, for the introduction of stem cells into the areas of injury to the sciatic nerve of rats has brought very promising results.
The approbation of this method with the participation of a patient with serious injuries of the median and ulnar nerves, who was threatened with amputation of both hands, also did not disappoint scientists. Observation of the patient's condition for three years after surgery demonstrated continued regeneration of nerves and gradual restoration of limb functions.
The researchers state that the results obtained indicate the possibility of using the procedure they developed as an alternative method of treating patients who are at risk of limb amputation as a result of damage to large nerves.
Article by Grimoldi et al. Stem Cell Salvage of injured peripheral nerve is published in the journal Cell Transplant.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru according to Medical News Today:
Avoiding amputation by Injecting stem cells into peripheral nerves.
16.01.2014