Role of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report

Abstract

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and adipose tissues have proven beneficial in treating diabetic ulcer, eye infections, cataracts, and dermatologic conditions. We treated a patient with spinal cord injury with two consecutive platelet-rich plasma and stem cell therapies with an interval of 15 days. We assessed the patient’s gait, posture, and deep tendon reflexes before and after the therapy. Before the treatment patient exhibited hyperreflexia, was unable to stand without support, and could not maintain an upright posture. No improvement was observed after the initial treatment. However, after the second therapy, the patient reported marked control of his lower limbs and the ability to stand upright without support. Subsequently, his condition further improved and he began to walk without support. Our observation suggests that the use of platelet-rich plasma and adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) in cervical spine injuries is beneficial and should be further tested in randomized trials.

Keywords: Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Spinal Cord Injury.