Description

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is one of the most common causes of motor disability in children, significantly affecting their quality of life (QOL). Children with CP often face various challenges, including motor, sensory, and communication difficulties \[1\]. Recent studies suggest that autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM MNCs) show promise in improving motor function and reducing muscle spasticity in CP children \[2, 3, 4\]. The effects of BM MNC transplantation on the quality of life in CP children and their families remain understudied, despite improvements in motor function being reported.

Our Phase I study evaluated the safety and effects of autologous BM MNCs on the improvement of gross motor function and muscle tone in children with CP. This Phase II randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of autologous BM MNCs in children with CP at Vinmec International Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam, from October 2024 to January 2027 \[5\]. The inclusion criteria are: (1) aged 1 to 10 years and of either sex; (2) having a Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) score ranging from level II to level V; and (3) spastic cerebral palsy due to cerebral hypoxia. Patients will be excluded if they have coagulation disorders; suffer from severe health conditions such as exhaustion, heart, lung, liver, or kidney failure, or active infections; have spinal injuries that prevent the administration of intrathecal injections; are diagnosed with cancer; test positive for HIV or have active viral hepatitis; or have hemoglobin levels below 110 g/L.

In total, 58 patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Randomization allocation was conducted using a random number table, and the ratio of participants in each group was 1:1. Group A will receive two BM MNC administrations: the first at baseline and the second at 6 months ± 21 days (T6) via intrathecal injection. Concomitantly, the CT group will undergo a 10-day-per-month rehabilitation program for 3 months, either at rehabilitation centers or with at-home therapy, followed by exercises managed by family members. Group B will serve as the control group for the first 9 months, receiving rehabilitation and medications similar to Group A but without BM MNC therapy. After 9 months, Group B will receive BM MNCs at 9 months ± 21 days (T9) and 15 months ± 21 days (T15), with outcomes evaluated at 18 months ± 21 days (T18) compared to baseline.

Bone marrow was collected under general anesthesia from both anterior superior iliac crests, taking 15-20 minutes, with a maximum volume of 350 mL for older children. Mononuclear cells were isolated using Ficoll density gradient centrifugation and prepared for infusion. The infusion, performed in the L4-L5 spinal space, lasted about 30 minutes at a rate of 20 mL per hour. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was withdrawn before infusion, with the amount based on the child's weight. Patients received Rocephin for infection prevention and pain relief with alternating doses of Ibuprofen and Efferalgan for 2 days post-procedure. Seduxen was given once on the first night after bone marrow collection. The rehabilitation program included exercises for head and body control, muscle tone management, and facilitated movements based on developmental milestones. Occupational therapy focused on improving hand function and daily activities, while speech therapy addressed communication, comprehension, and chewing/swallowing abilities.

The safety of the therapy will be assessed by monitoring the frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs). SAEs include events leading to death, life-threatening conditions, hospitalizations or prolonged hospital stays, significant or permanent disabilities, and congenital abnormalities or birth defects. Efficacy will be evaluated based on changes in gross motor function 9 months after the first BM MNC transplant. This will involve the GMFM-88 scale to assess gross motor function, the GMFCS scale to classify motor function severity, and the Mini-MACs (for children aged 1-4) and MACs (for children aged 4-18) scales to measure hand function. Additionally, muscle tone changes will be measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale 9 months post-transplant.