A groundbreaking study reveals that combining intrathecal autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMNC) therapy with educational programs significantly improves autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms in children, surpassing the effectiveness of educational interventions alone.
Study Design and Participant Details
The research involved 54 children aged three to seven years diagnosed with ASD. Participants were randomly divided into two groups, with 50 completing the study. The treatment group received two BMMNC infusions spaced six months apart alongside educational support, while the control group underwent only the educational intervention. Evaluations were conducted at the start and at two, six, and twelve-month intervals using standardized assessments such as DSM-5, CARS, CGI-S, VABS-II, and CGI-I scales.
Significant Improvements Observed
After a year, the therapy group experienced a 48% reduction in severe ASD classifications based on the DSM-5, compared to an 8% reduction in the control group (p = 0.004). Additionally, CARS scores decreased by an average of 5.9 points in the treatment group versus 1.5 points in controls (p < 0.0001). The therapy group also showed greater improvements in CGI-S and VABS-II scores, indicating enhanced social interaction and daily living skills.
Inferences:
- BMMNC therapy may address underlying neurological factors in ASD.
- Combining cellular therapy with education offers synergistic benefits.
- Long-term studies are needed to assess the durability of treatment effects.
The findings demonstrate that adding BMMNC therapy to conventional educational strategies provides a more effective approach to managing ASD, significantly reducing symptom severity and improving adaptive behaviors in children.
This advancement suggests a promising direction for ASD treatment protocols, highlighting the potential of cellular therapies to complement existing educational and behavioral interventions. Clinicians and researchers may consider integrating BMMNC therapy into comprehensive treatment plans, while further investigations could explore optimizing dosing schedules and understanding the mechanisms behind the observed improvements.
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