Title:Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Case Report of an Adjuvant Ambulatory Therapy
for a COVID-19 High-Risk and Steroid-hypersensitive Patients
Volume: 18
Issue: 7
Author(s): Grecia A. Cardoso-Hernández, Ana L. Camacho-Torres, Beni Camacho-Pérez, Fabio A. González Sánchez, José Navarro-Partida, Rebeca García-Varela, Jesús Aguilar-Aguilar and Juan P. Aguilar Alemán*
Affiliation:
- Department of Research and Development, Top Health S.A.P.I. de C.V., Zapopan 45070, México
- School of Engineering and Science, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Zapopan 45201, México
Keywords:
Cellular therapy, clinical translation, immunotherapy, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), ambulatory therapy, COVID-19.
Abstract: Introduction: Due to the rapid progression of COVID-19 to severe and critical stages, thousands
of patients have required the use of intensive care unit (ICU) treatment, placing an excessive strain
on health systems. Immunomodulatory effects of Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJ-MSCs)
have shown promising results in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. However, the effect of
promptly applied cell therapy on ambulatory patient prognosis has not been described. This case report
presents the clinical outcome of a multimorbid, steroid-hypersensitive, COVID-19 patient treated with
WJ-MSCs transplantation.
Case presentation: A 67-year-old woman with Type 2 diabetes, overweight (82 kg, 168 cm, BMI =
29.053), hypertension (190/60 mmHg) and steroid-hypersensitivity, tested positive for COVID-19 after
presenting typical symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain, myalgia, nasal congestion, dysgeusia, anosmia
and oxygen saturation (SpO2) 94% - 96%, with normal body temperature (36°C). The patient received
pharmacologic treatment but, when symptoms worsened, WJ-MSCs were transplanted to modulate the
suspected onset of the cytokine release syndrome. Significant improvement of symptoms and clinical
parameters (inflammatory markers and CT score) was observed, and the patient fully recovered within a
short period of time.
Conclusion: The present case report exhibits the favorable outcome of using Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal
Stem Cells (WJ-MSCs) as an ambulatory and adjuvant therapy for COVID-19. Prompt WJ-MSCs
infusion can be a safe ambulatory adjuvant therapy in COVID-19 infection care, preventing disease progression
to critical stages and avoiding hospital overcrowding.
