Patients who suffer from the debilitating condition multiple sclerosis (MS) may have new hope for treatment. Researchers have announced findings from a small clinical trial, which indicated significant benefits from the use of a patient’s own stem cells.
As part of the trial, patients were given a transplant of hematopoietic stem cells from their own bodies. According to researchers, patients experienced disease remission after the transplant. These particular types of stem cells are involved in the formation of blood, and are sourced from bone marrow. As part of the trial, patients were also given high-dose immunosuppressive medications.
The study’s findings were published recently in JAMA Neurology, and focused on an evaluation of 24 patients who suffered from MS. They suffered from a type of multiple sclerosis called active relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, in which the patients have certain phases in which the condition is very active, followed by certain phases in which they do not experience any symptoms at all.
Researchers found that an overwhelming majority of patients, close to 80%, who underwent stem cell transplants regained complete neurologic function, and continued to retain it for three years after treatment. They also found that patients did not see any aggravation of their symptoms after the stem cell transplant. They also did not see the development of any new lesions after the procedure.
In more than 90% of the cases, there was no progression of the disease, and in 86% of the cases, there were no more periods of relapse.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) does consider MS to be a disability that qualifies for benefits, but that doesn’t automatically qualify you for an approved claim. Speak to an Atlanta Social Security disability attorney about the criteria that your condition must meet for you to be eligible for benefits.