Rehabilitation Practice and Science
Abstract
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) occurs when the brain is deprived of sufficient oxygen or blood flow, resulting in brain dysfunction. According to the relevant literature, no curative therapies are currently available for HIE-related lifelong disabilities. Regenerative rehabilitation employs regenerative technologies and cell therapy combined with conventional therapeutic exercises to restore normal function. This study used robotic-assisted gait training with the Lokomat and two infusions of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) to treat an adolescent with chronic HIE. At the seven-month follow-up assessment, we determined that the patient’s motor function had improved based on the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) total score (13.7% progress), the GMFM-88 dimensions A to E, and gait speed in the 10-Meter Walk Test (from 0.58 m/s to 0.78 m/s). The patient exhibited improvement with respect to overall language development. His attention span increased and impulsivity decreased. The patient experienced adverse reactions of headache and dizziness, which improved after receiving symptomatic treatment. Intravenously infused hUC-MSCs in patients with chronic HIE represent a safe and effective treatment for improving motor function, language development, and attention span. This case demonstrated the feasibility of this treatment and the potential of regenerative rehabilitation medicine.
Approval
Recommended Citation
Chen, Chieh and Tseng, Sun-Hui
(2024)
"A Case Report: Regenerative and Robotic Rehabilitation in a Patient With Chronic Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy,"
Rehabilitation Practice and Science: Vol. 2024:
Iss.
2, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6315/3005-3846.2238
Available at:
https://rps.researchcommons.org/journal/vol2024/iss2/3
