Journal of Stem Cell Research & Therapy

Abstract

An Improved Case of Autism as Revealed by PET CT Scan in Patient Transplanted with Autologous Bone Marrow Derived Mononuclear Cells

Alok Sharma, Prerna Badhe, Nandini Gokulchandran, Pooja Kulkarni, Priti Mishra, Akshata Shetty and Hemangi Sane

Autism, the most severe form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by language developmental delay, social skills impairment, communication problems, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. There is no cure for Autism; hence therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms. We used autologous bone marrow derived mononuclear cells intrathecally in a 14 yr old boy with severe autism to improve the quality of life. At six months, follow up after therapy the general impression on clinical assessment showed mild autism. It is exciting to see symptomatic improvement with shift on Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) from 42.5 (Severely Autistic) to 23.5 (Non Autistic), which was also visualized as enhanced PET scan brain function. All these improvements have led to improved quality of life of the patient as well as the family. Several incurable neurological disorders have shown benefits with cellular therapy thus, autism should be explored as an indication and nuclear imaging can be used to study its effects.