Stem cell nebulization therapy for COVID-19 infection: radiological and clinical outcomes

• Published in: Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Vol. 52; no. 1; pp. 115 - 11
• Main Authors: Torres Zambrano, Gina M., Maher Ahmed, Yasmine, Ventura Carmenate, Yendry, Essam Elsadawy, Momena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 28.04.2021; Springer; Springer Nature B.V; SpringerOpen
• Subjects: Care and treatment; Chest computed tomography; Chest X-ray; Clinical outcomes; Clinical trials; Comparative analysis; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; CT imaging; Epidemics; Ethics; Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Imaging; Immune system; Infections; Informed consent; Laboratories; Medical research; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Medicine, Experimental; Nuclear Medicine; Patient outcomes; Radiological findings; Radiology; Respiratory diseases; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Stem cell nebulization; Stem cells; Tomography; Transplantation; United Arab Emirates; Ventilators; Viral infections; United Arab Emirates; Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates; COVID-19; Stem cell nebulization; Radiological findings; Chest computed tomography; Chest X-ray
• ISSN: 0378-603X; 2090-4762
• DOI: 10.1186/s43055-021-00492-3

Background SARS-CoV-2 is a highly contagious virus that spread worldwide with a rapid increase in the number of deaths. In March 2020, the WHO declared SARS-CoV-2 a pandemic. The primary diagnostic test is reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, but chest X-ray and computed tomography have become the typical diagnostic tools used to detect abnormal lung changes. Within the framework of the SENTAD COVID Study clinical trial, an observational and analytical study was conducted, where the patients received nebulization therapy with the use of autologous stem cells (group A) compared to the control arm (group B). Both groups received the UAE SARS-CoV-2 standard management. Radiological images of each patient were collected within 24 h of inclusion in the trial and during follow-up. Herein, we describe and evaluate the radiological findings and outcomes. Results A total of 139 subjects were included in our analysis, 69 in group A and 70 in group B. The most common finding was ground glass opacifications, followed by patchy consolidations, with 20% normal radiological images scored 3 from admission until discharge ( p < 0.0001). Our results suggest a significant improvement in radiological images after treatment secondary to the stem cell effect of reducing inflammation and stimulating the pneumological healing process. Conclusions The use of novel therapies, such as stem cells, shows efficacy not only in terms of the control of clinical and paraclinical signs but also in the radiological changes described in the disease. Trial registration Study evaluating the safety and efficacy of autologous non-hematopoietic peripheral blood stem cells in COVID-19. Trial registration number: NCT04473170 . Date of registration: 16 July 20202. Retrospectively registered.