Stem Cell Treatment for Autism

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http://www.xcell-center.com/treatmen...ed/autism.aspx

Introduction - Autism
Autism is a brain development disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism involves many parts of the brain. How it occurs is not well understood.

There is no cure for Autism. The main goals of treatment are to lessen associated deficits and family distress, and to increase quality of life and functional independence. No single treatment is best and treatment is typically tailored to the child's needs.

Many medications are used to treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms that interfere with integrating a child into home or school when behavioral treatment fails. More than half of U.S. children diagnosed with ASD are prescribed psychoactive drugs or anticonvulsants, with the most common drug classes being antidepressants, stimulants, and antipsychotics.

The Xcell-Center Autism Stem Cell Treatment
The XCell-Center's stem cell therapy for autism is a drug-free alternative focused on affecting physical changes in the brain that can improve an autistic child's quality of life. These improvements usually translate into improved quality of life for their parents and siblings as well.

Recent follow-up statistics show that more than 70% of Autism patients showed improvement following stem cell therapy.

Autism patients are treated by lumbar puncture; injecting the stem cells into the cerebrospinal fluid which transports them up the spinal canal and into the brain.

Lumbar puncture is an outpatient procedure that requires patients to stay in Germany 5 or 6 nights.

Diagnostics, Physical and Cognitive Assessment

Before stem cell implantation, each patient undergoes blood tests at the clinic and a comprehensive physical and cognitive assessment at the XCell Imaging and Diagnostic Center. This assessment includes gait analysis, standing analysis, balance analysis, 4-D spine measurement, isometric maximum strength measure and videotaping. Baseline scores are calculated for Bernsden Standard Basic Functions, Barthel Index, Fruhreha Index and Modified Asworth Scale.

Adult patients undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in our GE Signa 3.0 Tesla high-resolution magnetic resonance scanner. Under normal circumstances, children do not undergo MRI in order to minimize exposure to general anesthesia.

Step 1 - Bone Marrow Collection
After anesthesia counseling on the first day, the bone marrow is collected from the patient's iliac crest (hip bone) using thin-needle mini-puncture under general anesthesia. The entire procedure normally takes about 30 minutes.

Because the bone marrow collection procedure requires patients to lie still, it is performed under general anesthesia for children and also for some adults (additional costs for adult anesthesia 1000€).

Once the bone marrow collection is complete, patients may return to their hotel and go about normal activities after a short recovery period in the clinic.

More detailed information on the bone marrow collection procedure is available in the Bone Marrow Informed Consent document (PDF file).

Step 2 - Laboratory Processing
The stem cells are processed from the bone marrow in a state-of-the-art, government approved (cGMP) laboratory. In the lab, both the quantity and quality of the stem cells are measured. These cells have the potential to transform into multiple types of cells and are capable of regenerating or repairing damaged tissue.

Step 3 - Stem Cell Implantation
The stem cells are implanted back into the patient by lumbar puncture or intravenous administration (IV) with Mannitol in cases for which lumbar puncture is not advisable.

Lumbar Puncture

A spinal needle is inserted between L4 and L5 vertebrae under local anesthesia for adults and general anesthesia for children. Then a small amount of spinal fluid is removed. A portion of that spinal fluid is mixed with the stem cell solution which is then injected into back into the patient's spinal fluid, not the spinal cord. After the stem cells have been implanted, the patient will lie down in the recovery room for a few hours before returning to his or her hotel room. Normally, the lumbar puncture procedure is not painful.

More detailed information on the lumbar puncture procedure is available in the Lumbar Puncture Informed Consent Document (PDF File).

IV-Mannitol

A venous catheter is inserted into a vein in the right or left arm. Then the Mannitol is introduced over a 20 minute period. Mannitol is a safe, well-known drug that is used to open the blood-brain barrier in order to allow the passage of stem cells and other neurotropic factors into the brain and spinal canal. Next, the stem cells are slowly introduced into the catheter to allow them to thoroughly mix with the blood as they enter the body. No anesthesia is required for this procedure. However, anesthesia can be administered if necessary.

More detailed information on the IV-Mannitol procedure is available in the IV-Mannitol Informed Consent Document (PDF File).

Following Treatment
Patients who are treated by lumbar puncture are required to stay in town on the day after their procedure for general safety purposes. They may return home on the fifth or sixth day.

Autism Stem Cell Treatment Results
Follow-up statistics from 7 treated autism patients completed in September 2009 show that over 70% (5 of 7) experienced improvements after stem cell therapy.

The mean age of the patients was 10 years, while the median age was 9.5 years. The oldest treated patient was 16 years of age and the youngest 5. There was no apparent correlation between positive outcome and the number of stem cells administered.

Overall, patients reported improvements in cognition, language, social contact, eye contact, coordination, motor skills and awareness

Below is a summary of results for 4 of the 5 patients who improved after treatment:

Patient #1 - (M) Age 6 - Treated May 2009
Improved cognition and sensory processing
Patient can now climb onto the trampoline by himself, and play on it for about 20 minutes. Before the treatment, he screamed when the parents put him onto the trampoline.
Improved attention span - He watched TV for 30 minutes. Prior to stem cell transplantation, his attention span was a few seconds to no longer than a minute.
Meaningless play has reduced
The above improvements were confirmed by the patient's doctor
Patient #2 - (M) Age 6 - Treated June 2009
Hand and finger motor skill improvement
Improved handwriting
Improved speech
Eating more independently
Can now ride a bicycle without fear
Improved ability to socialize with others
Improved cognition
Patient #3 - (F) Age 16 - Treated July 2009
Improved motor skills and coordination
More confident
Calmer at school
Grades have improved - especially math
Patient #4 - (F) Age 11 - Treated January 2009
Better behaved
Decreased hyperactivity
Less insomnia - patient can now sleep through the night
Improved attention span
Less frustrated
For safety information on 870 patients treated by lumbar puncture, please view our Lumbar Puncture Safety Statistics (PDF file).

Patient Stories
Lauren DiCorcia, 10 years old
"…In the past 6 weeks we have seen significant improvements in our daughter´s behaviors, focus, hyperactivity and insomnia…"

Costs
Autism stem cell therapy via lumbar puncture or IV-Mannitol: 9,000 Euros (including general anesthesia)

Evaluation Process
In order to be evaluated for treatment, patients must complete an online medical history form. Once you've completed the online medical history and submitted it, a patient relations consultant will contact you. He or she will assist you with the rest of the evaluation process. Upon treatment approval, your consultant will also assist you with treatment scheduling and trip preparation.