Affiliations: Department of Medical Services and Clinical Research,
NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute, Mumbai, India | Department of Research and Development, NeuroGen Brain
and Spine Institute, Mumbai, India | Department of Neurorehabilitation, NeuroGen Brain and
Spine Institute, Mumbai, India
Note: [] Correspondence: Dr. Pradnya Bhovad, Occupational Therapist,
NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute, Surana Sethia Hospital and Research Centre,
Suman Nagar, Sion-Trombay Road, Chembur, Mumbai, 400071, India. Tel.: +91 22
25281610/25283706; Fax: +91 25288808; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Cell therapy offers a promising premise in alleviating complex
neurological disorders. Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) have
been used in many studies and have been documented to have a safe and ethical
profile. These cells have shown angiogenetic and immunomodulatory properties in
addition to other neuroprotective effects. Precisely, these may serve to
address a disorder at a neurophysiological level and thus, hold gratifying
results in autism. The literature suggests hypoperfusion and immune alteration
as major underlying pathogenetic mechanisms in autism. Herewith, we present a
case of autism treated with intrathecal administration of autologous BMMNCs.
Results were documented objectively on Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism
(ISAA), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Clinical Global Impression (CGI)
scores and positron emission tomography computerized tomography (PET-CT) scan.
On regular follow-up assessment of the patient at 3 mo, at 6 mo (pre 2nd dose)
and at 9 mo (i.e., 3 mo post 2nd dose), significant clinical improvement was
noted in social relationship, communication and behavior. On the outcome
measure, his ISAA score improved from 132 (moderate autism) to 103 (mild
autism). On comparison of the PET-CT scan, changes in metabolism correlated
with the clinical improvements. On the CGI scores, he showed improvement in all
the three domains, with a decrease in the severity of illness and with partial
remission of symptoms. This case provides a useful insight into the clinical
effects of autologous BMMNCs in autism and guides us to plan future studies and
offers a promising premise in alleviating complex neurological disorders.
