Title:Review of the Published Literature Confirms the Safety of Intravenous
Infusion of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Volume: 18
Issue: 6
Author(s): Amir Barmada, Joshua Sharan, Nicolas Band, Tobias Rumschlag, Arwah Yaqub, Eliana Liebman and Chadwick Prodromos*
Affiliation:
- The Foundation for Orthopaedics and Regenerative Medicine, Glenview, IL, USA
Keywords:
Mesenchymal stem cell, intravenous infusion, inflammation, serious adverse events, rheumatoid arthritis, stem cell treatment.
Abstract:
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to decrease inflammation and
enhance healing due to their immunomodulatory properties and secretion of growth factors. Intravenous
infusion is the most common delivery route of MSCs, and it is used for the treatment of a wide variety of
conditions, with established efficacy.
Objective: This review will analyze the safety of intravenous infusion of MSCs and determine the incidence
of any possible resultant Serious Adverse Events (SAEs).
Methods: Using PubMed, we searched the scientific literature to identify SAEs related to intravenous
infusion of MSCs. We performed disease-specific searches and a general adverse event search.
Results: A total of 70 studies were included in this review. Thousands of infusions were administered and
only two SAEs were identified from the same study. The SAEs were two upper extremity thromboembolisms
in patients with preexisting renal disease.
Conclusion: Properly performed intravenous infusion of MSCs is very safe, with a near absence of reported
serious adverse events associated with its use.