Human Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy in Cerebral Palsy Children with Cortical Visual Impairment: A Case Series of 40 Patients

Abstract

Background: Use of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) has been explored for treatment of cortical visual impairment (CVI) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Objectives: The study evaluated efficacy and safety of hESC therapy in 40 CP children with CVI. Methods: The study had four treatment phases (T1, T2, T3, and T4) separated by gap phases. Patients were evaluated for visual impairment using Nutech Functional Scores (NFS). Results: Of 40 patients included in study, 8 had NFS level "1" (were blind/ had no perception of light); 16 had level"2" (perception of light); 10 had level "3" (could identify blurred images); and 6 had level "4" (could see objects up to a distance of 25 cm from the eye). After therapy, 27 patients gained normal vision; 10 patients could see objects 25 cm from the eye; 2 patients could see blurred images; and 1 had perception of light. Overall, 39 patients showed improvement in NFS by at least one level. In SPECT scan, 2 patients had normal perfusion, 18 had significant improvement and 3 had moderate improvement. Conclusion: Use of hESC therapy in patients with CVI showed beneficial results for treatment of CVI in children with CP.