Intrathecal Administration of Autologous Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells in a Case of Cerebral Palsy Coexisting with Autistic Features?

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) represents a group of developmental disorders leading to neurodisability in the pediatric population. The 2008 Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM) CP Network revealed that nearly 7% of children with CP co-existed with autistic disorders. Here we present a case report of a six and a half year old child who presented with CP coexisting with autistic features. She underwent two cellular therapies with autologous bone marrow mononuclear administered intrathecally, followed by intensive neurorehabilitation. Over the span of 15 months post cellular therapies, improvements were seen in the walking balance, sitting tolerance, eye contact, clarity of speech, social interaction and voluntary control of the left upper limb with increased weight bearing capacity. There was a decrease from 96 to 82 on the ISAA scale. CARS score reduced from 30.5 to 25 after the two cellular therapies. GMFM score showed an improvement from 64.31% to 79.96% and FIM increased from 40 to 49. No adverse events were observed. This case report supports the evidences suggesting that cellular therapy along with rehabilitation augments the recovery processes in patients with CP coexisting with autistic features. Further clinical studies are required to establish the therapeutic potential of cellular therapy taking into consideration the multifaceted symptomatic presentations in CP.