Autologous bone marrow derived mononuclear cells for the treatment of drug resistant epilepsy

Abstract

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by two or more unprovoked seizures with abnormal brain activity, Cognitive and behavioral changes usually accompanies epilepsy, like hallucinations delusions and apathy. Of all cases of epilepsy 30% are resistant to conventional treatment. Drug resistant epilepsy is defined as recurrent seizures refractory to a regimen of two or more antiepileptic drugs. Stem cell therapy is a possible alternative with minimal side effects; it is currently used for treatment of variety of diseases including neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and stroke. In this clinical study, 20 Iraqi patients included, aged 2-39 year. 8 females and 12 male with multidrug resistant epilepsy, at least after 3 months of diagnosis and treatment. The 20 patients were kept on drugs, more than 2 drugs 80%, 2 drugs 20%, all the patients underwent autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells infusion intravenously. Mononuclear cell counts ranges from 2-4 x10 8 per product with 97 % viability. Two sessions done in 8 weeks' time. Out of 20 patients 13 patients showed improvement (65%) in seizure activity in form of 50-100% reduction in 6 months after stem cell therapy, in addition there was improvement in appetite and sleep rhythm. Autologous bone marrow derived mononuclear cells systemic infusion is a safe clinical procedure with promising results in drug resistant epilepsy.