I like these kinds of stories because firstly, it shows the forward thinking doctors who are willing to pioneer the concept of stem cell therapy in their geographical location and secondly (more importantly) because their work may have genuinely benefitted the patients.
Essentially, two Gujarati patients aged 35 and 58, Lakshmanbhai Bharwad and Ratanbhai Prajapati respectively, were the first to receive stem cell therapy for their failing hearts. Both patients had poor ejection fractions of 18% and 30% (versus the normal 60-70%), felt exhausted all the time and thus were generally quite unproductive.
The doctors Dr Shalin Thakore together with embryologist Dr Himanshu Patel, of the Krishna Heart and Super Specialty Institute had performed angioplasties for their patients and immediately after diagnosing and widening the relevant blocked arteries, proceeded to mobilize the patient's stem cells and collect them.
The article cites that "About three to four days later, stem cells were cultured into cardiac stem cells and reinjected into the newly reopened arteries via another angiography." I find this rather suspect reporting as I don't think its currently possible to culture and differentiate cells in 3-4 days and identify them morphologically. In any case, the stem cells were re-injected by angiography soon after harvesting.
The patients' ejection rate quite amazingly increased very dramatically, rising from 18% to 45% and 30% to 55% within two months, which is the highest jump that I have ever seen reported.
This rapid increase is unlike any that we've experienced and I am wondering if they are willing to publish their work. One important parameter that is likely to influence the outcome is the number of cells delivered to the injured site and the timing of the delivery.
My questions would be:
How many mobilizing injections did they give?
How many cells did they harvest and use?
How did they measure the ejection fraction? (some equipments are said to be notoriously variable in result)
Does this increase in EF only apply to those who have stem cells within 15 days of the heart attack?
Dr. Thakore's final statement was that this was a one-time procedure but could be repeated in 3 months should the results not meet expectations. Very interesting. I'm waiting to hear if they proceed with more cases and long term follow up.
StemLife currently offers stem cell therapy for cardiac conditions with 2 leading centers in Malaysia, HSC Medical Center and Gleneagles Intan Medical Center and look forward to serving more. Our patients have reported significant symptomatic improvements on 3 and 6 month follow ups.
If you would like to have stem cell therapy for your cardiac condition, please contact us at +6012 2050 165 and we'll be happy to refer you to a doctor or open the dialogue with your doctor in the hospital of your choice.
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