| Popis: |
BackgroundAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the devasting complication of the new COVID-19 pandemic, directly correlated with releasing large amounts of inflammatory cytokines. Due to their immunoregulatory features, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) provide a promising approach against this disease. In this regard, this study was designed as a single-center, open-label, phase 1 clinical trial with a control group to examine the safety and efficacy of three injections of Umbilical Cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) in mild-moderate COVID-19-induced ARDS patients.MethodsTwenty confirmed COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate ARDS degree (using the WHO guideline for ARDS classification) entered the study and were randomly divided into two groups: control group (standard care) and intervention group (standard care + UC-MSCs). The patients received three intravenous infusions of UC-MSCs (1 × \({10}^{6}\) cells/kg BW per injection) every other day. Respiratory markers, CRP levels and some serum cytokines were assessed four times (days of 0,5,10 and 17) during the 17 days follow-up period.ResultsDuring the study, there were no serious adverse effects after cell transplantations. Besides, significant improvement in SPO2/FIO2 ratio and serum CRP levels was observed. On the other hand, a significant decrease (P |
