FIVE YEARS FOLLOW-UP OBSERVATION ON PATIENTS WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY TREATED WITH OLFACTORY ENSHEATHING CELL TRANSPLANTATION

Olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation (OECT) has been applied to treat patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study was to investigate the long-term curative efficacy and safety of OECT by observing the long-term alterations of sensory level (SL), muscle strength, neural function and individual self-evaluations. Methods u0026 Materials: The olfactory ensheathing cells used by this study were derived from allogeneic embryonic olfactory bulb induction. We observed 24 patients with SCI (male/female 20/4; average age 32.4 years, age range 19~45) who were treated with OECT in our hospital from September 2005 to March 2010. Neural function was evaluated based on the ASIA scores. Follow-up time ranged from 0.5 to 5.2 years, averagely was 3.2 years. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA. Results: After OECT no apparent complications were found in the 24 patients. Among 11 patients with complete paralysis, 10 patients’ SL moved downwards by 1-2 spinal segments, and 1 patient’s SL no changed. Among 13 patients with incomplete paralysis, 11 patients’ SL descended by two spinal segments, 2 patients’ SL by three spinal segments and 1 of the 2 showed improvement of flexor function and emergence of thumb long extensor dorsiflexion movement (muscle strength 2 degrees). MRI showed no mass or cavity formation in the sites of OECT. 2 patients gave OECT excellent self-evaluation, 9 good, 12 poor, and 1 very poor. The rate of excellent and good self-evaluation accounted for 50%. The ASIA scores before and after OECT had 27 not obviously difference (Pu003c0.05). Conclusion: Though OECT is safe for SCI treatment, its long-term therapeutic effect is not ideal. This therapy still needs further observation and more exploration.