Stem Cells For Critical Limb Ischemia -- Research Summary
BACKGROUND: According to the Mayo Clinic, peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to a person's limbs. When patients develop PAD, their extremities -- usually the legs -- do not receive enough blood flow to keep up with the demand. This causes leg pain when walking, which is known as intermittent claudication. PAD may also be a sign of more widespread accumulation of fatty deposits in a person's arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Patients may successfully treat PAD by stopping tobacco use, exercising and eating a healthy diet.
RISK FACTORS: Risk factors for PAD may include smoking; diabetes; obesity; high blood pressure; high cholesterol; increasing age; a family history of PAD; heart disease or stroke; and excessive levels of homocysteine, which is a protein component that helps build and maintain tissue. People who smoke or have diabetes have the highest risk of developing PAD because of reduced blood flow.
COMPLICATIONS OF PAD: If PAD is caused by atherosclerosis, patients may also be at risk for developing critical limb ischemia. This is a condition that begins with open sores that don't heal, an injury, or an infection in someone's feet or legs. Critical limb ischemia occurs when these injuries or infections progress and can cause gangrene, sometimes requiring amputation of the affected limb. These patients may also be at risk for developing stroke and heart attack.
STEM CELLS TO THE RESCUE: Now, researchers are studying whether adult stem cells could help patients with PAD. Two different kinds of stem cells are removed from the patient's bone marrow and processed in incubation chambers. Once the stem cells expand and multiply into millions, they are injected back into the patient's leg. Weeks or months after the procedure, all of the patients in a clinical trial had less pain and increased activity. This stem cell trial was designed for critical limb ischemia patients who are not candidates for surgery and have run out of options. The therapy is considered investigational. MORE: Stem Cells For Critical Limb Ischemia -- Research Summary | Medical News and Health Information and Stem Cells For Critical Limb Ischemia-- In Depth Doctor's Interview | Medical News and Health Information
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Chuck Naparalla
Chief Executive Officer
TCA Cellular Therapy, LLC
(985) 867-4860
cnapa@tcacellulartherapy.com
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