Safety of transplantation of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells by the lateral atlanto-occipital space puncture for treatment of refractory neurological diseases

Objective To investigate the safety and effectiveness of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells transplantation therapy by the lateral atlanto-occipital space puncture. Methods 230 patients have received umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell therapy for 450 times by the lateral atlanto occipital space puncture. The adverse reactions and complications during treatment and after treatment were observed, the hematological parameters were compared before and after treatment, and the patient's condition was observed before and after treatment. Statistical analysis was carried out by two samples compared with t test. Result All the patients had no headache, infection, hematoma formation, adverse reactions and other complications after treatment. Transient blood pressure increased after treatment in 32 patients( 7.1%), and transient fever occurred in 8 (1.8%). 10 (2.2%) patients experienced deep soft tissue pain at the time of the puncture. There was no statistical difference (t = 0.891, P = 0.374) between the leukocyte count before (7.9±1.1)and 3 months after treatment (8.0±1.3). There was no statistical difference(t = 0.893, P = 0.372)between the glutamic pyruvic transaminase (μ/L) before (31.9±5.8) and 3 months after treatment (32.4±6.2). There was no statistical difference (t = 1.838, P = 0.066) between the globulin before (22.1±1.7) and 3 months after treatment (21.8±1.8). There was no statistical difference (t = 1.299, P = 0.195) between the AFP count before (9.9±1.6) and 3 months after treatment (10.1±1.7) .The hematological indexes (blood routine + ESR, biochemical markers, tumor markers, virus screening, coagulation and coagulation mechanisms) and vital signs of all patients were not statistically different before and after treatment. 183 patients were treated effectively (the effective rate was 79.6%). Conclusion Umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells transplantation therapy by lateral atlanto-occipital space puncture is safe and appears to be benefit for patients. Key words: Lateral atlanto occipital space puncture; Human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells; Transplantation; Safety