Efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Objective This meta-analysis and systematic review were conducted to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Method We conducted a manual search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, with a search deadline set for February 1, 2023. Data analysis was performed using Stata version 15.0. Result A total of 9 randomized controlled studies were included, involving a total of 316 people, including 159 mesenchymal stem cells and 147 control groups. Results of meta-analysis: Compared to a placebo group, the administration of mesenchymal stem cells resulted in a significant reduction in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores among patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke [SMD=-0.99,95% CI (-1.93, -0.05)]. Compared to placebo, barthel index [SMD = 0.48,95% CI (-0.55,1.51)], modified rankin score [SMD = 0.45, 95% CI (1.11, 0.21)], adverse events (RR = 0.68, 95% CI (0.40, 1.17)] the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion Based on current studies, mesenchymal stem cell transplantation can ameliorate neurological deficits in patients with ischemic stroke to a certain extent without increasing adverse reactions. However, there was no significant effect on Barthel index and Modified Rankin score.

Evidence level

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

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