A Case of Autism Showing Clinical Improvements after Cellular Therapy along with PET CT Evidence

Abstract

On the Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA), his score was 98, while his Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM) scores were 28.5 (ASD) and 80, respectively. MRI of the brain and EEG were normal. PET CT scan of the brain revealed hypometabolism in the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres and hypermetabolism in frontal, parietal and temporal lobes. AbstractAutism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder defined by a triad of deficits including impaired social interaction, communication and behaviour. With greater understanding of mechanism of action of cellular therapy it is now possible to address the pathology of autism. Here is a case of a six and a half year old boy with autism who was administered autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) intrathecally followed by an intensive rehabilitation program. On follow up at 3months and 7months post intervention, he showed significant symptomatic improvements with no major side effects. At the end of 7months, ISAA score improved from 98 to 81. The Wee FIM showed improvement 80 to 89.1. CARS score reduced from 28.5 (mild to moderate autism) to 23.5 (mild autism). PET CT scan of the brain performed pre intervention and seven months post showed a balancing effect in the metabolism of affected areas. It also showed reduction in hypermetabolism of the frontal, parietal and temporal lobe bilaterally and increase in metabolism of the previously hypometabolic bilateral cerebelli. The changes observed on the PET CT scan of the brain correlated with clinical improvements. We hypothesize that cellular therapy holds great potential as a treatment modality for autism in combination with standard rehabilitation therapy. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to study their long term effects in treating autism.