January 5, 2015 at 11:48 am , by Autonomic Specialists

Recent advances in stem cell research have led to exciting new treatment possibilities for patients with dysautonomia.

Exactly why people develop dysautonomia has eluded researchers for decades. Researchers from the University of Oklahoma have determined that one causative agent for dysautonomia is antibodies formed against certain receptors found on nerve cells1. In other words, for many patients, dysautonomia is actually an autoimmune condition. IVIG (gamma globulin) is increasingly being used to treat dysautonomia. Complications following IVIG are very unusual, but heart attack, stroke and renal failure have been reported. Stem cells are a potential alternative to IVIG for treatment of a broad array of autoimmune conditions.

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is one form of dysautonomia for which stem cells have shown promise as a therapy. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has been studied in a rat model for MSA2. The first human study was published in 20083 and found MSC therapy helpful for treating MSA. A randomized trial of the use of MSC therapy for MSA was published in 2012 and demonstrated a delay in disease progression4. A recently published study5 found that MSC treatment modulates cortical thickness in patients with MSA, which, the authors infer, may have implications for MSC treatment application for other cognitive disorders.

Autonomic Specialists are now investigating the application of stem cells in treatment of Dysautonomia. Treatment is offered as part of an IRB approved study. If you would like more information or to find out if you might be a candidate for Mesenchymal stem cell treatment, please contact us through this web form (click here) or call us at (949) 247-8877.

via Stem Cell Therapy Holds New Promise for Patients with Dysautonomia – Autonomic Specialists Community.