Treatment for ONH and many other diseases including MS, Cerebral Palsy, and Parkinson’s are available in multiple Chinese cities and other countries as well. They are using umbilical cord blood stem cells. Here in the US, we have laws pertaining to experimental research with stem cells. It is an option to save your own babies’ umbilical cord for your own family but few do, and it costs to do so. In China and elsewhere, umbilical cords are saved and used (much like an organ donation here) for medical research and treatment every day.
The clinical staff at Qingdao Chengyang People’s Hospital utilizes three methods for injecting the stem cells: IV, Lumbar Puncture, and Local Injections. Different combinations of injections are used to treat different conditions. In most cases, doctors decide which combination is best suited to treat a patient’s condition after the initial checkup given upon arrival. Depending on the type of injection, patients will receive local, basal (through IV), epidural (through catheter), and/or general anesthesia. In-depth information about each type of injection can be found below.
Intravenous (IV) Injection
The Intravenous (IV) delivery method is a very simple process and should already be familiar for most patients. A line with a catheter tip threaded over a needle is placed into the patient’s vein. Once proper placement is obtained, the needle portion is removed and the flexible plastic catheter is left in place in the vein with the tubing attached. It is through this tube that the stem cells are transferred into the blood stream. Typically no sedation is required for this procedure. The entire IV injection process typically takes less than 45 minutes to complete.
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal)
A lumbar puncture (LP) is also commonly referred to as a spinal tap. It is a procedure used to access the cerebrospinal fluid of the brain and spinal cord and helps to deliver stem cells directly into the cerebral spinal fluid, directly bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Our doctors have determined that this is the least invasive method for delivering stem cells directly into the central nervous system.
Patients will be placed with their backs near the edge of the table. A nurse will then assist you in bending your knees towards your abdomen and flexing your head to the chest thus keeping you in a fetal position. This position helps to separate the vertebrae so that the needle can be inserted properly. The time needed for the procedure will vary from case to case. For some patients 20 minutes may be enough while others may take more than an hour.
Local Injections
Local injections can be utilized to treat a variety of conditions. These include diabetic foot and muscular dystrophy. For local injections, stem cells processed from either the patient’s own bone marrow or from umbilical cord blood are implanted by multiple local injections directly into and around the injury site. For patients receiving treatment for muscular dystrophy, our doctors have found that results are best if the patient receives a certain portion of the umbilical cord blood stem cells by local injection. These injections are made directly into the muscle of the affected area(s). Upon arrival at the hospital, the doctors examine the patient and decide what percentage of the cells should be injected locally into the muscle.
Bone Marrow Aspiration
This kind of treatment is recommended for only certain types of diseases and conditions. If you are scheduled to get a bone marrow treatment it is because upon evaluating your case the medical department has considered it appropriate for you. However it may happen that you will not receive this treatment as the final decision for eligibility is in the hands of the Qingdao doctors. In some cases, after closely evaluating your situation the staff will determine whether the procedure is appropriate or not.
When a patient is supposed to get bone marrow extraction, the local doctors will usually prescribe a lung test in order to check respiratory functions. If the patient’s condition is unsuitable for this procedure, your attending physician will inform you, the bone marrow treatment will be cancelled, and your money will be refunded with the assistance of the local coordinator. In certain circumstances patients may decide not to opt for the refund, instead preferring to switch the bone marrow treatment for extra stem cells treatments. If all the examinations confirm that you can get the bone marrow treatment then the local doctors will arrange it and provide you all the information you need to get prepared. The bone marrow is extracted from the hipbone, so some patients will have their backs shaved before going to the surgery room. Nurses will ask you to take a shower beforehand and wear the appropriate sterile gown. You will be put under general anesthesia for the duration. For this procedure you will be asked to fast for a certain period of time. After the procedure is done you are required to spend some time in bed and avoid showering for a couple of days (to prevent infection on the puncture site). Our nurses will provide you with all the details before the procedure.
Extra Injections
Many patients decide that after having come so far they want to receive more than the initially recommended number of stem cell injections. Also after seeing some positive changes after the initial injections, adding extra injections to the treatment may increase your chances for further improvement. If this is the case you need to consult your attending physician and ask for advice. If your doctor also believes extra injections would be a good choice for you or your child, he or she will try to arrange the extra treatment on the basis of your departure time. Usually additional injections can fit in the original schedule. If not, the doctor will either stay with the original schedule or propose you reschedule your flight to a later date. In any case the arrangement for extra injections will be made by our lead patient coordinator who will provide you with all the different options for extending the treatment.
Rehabilitation Program
Besides the stem cells treatment you will also receive daily rehabilitation
therapy for the whole duration of your stay. The rehabilitation program
consists of a tailored mix of physical therapy (PT), acupuncture, electric
wave therapy and occupational therapy (OT) that are intended to enhance the effects of stem cells in patients with motor or cognitive impairment. Not all patients may need to undergo a rehabilitation program as this depends
upon the patient’s condition. Also, not all of these therapies are right for all
patients and some diseases and injuries require very specialized rehabilitation programs. Within a couple of days after your arrival you will meet your physical therapist. He or she will carry out an on-site evaluation in order to determine the right combination of therapies. The main aim of the evaluation is to collect data before the treatment to compare with the results of the final evaluation, giving a clear idea of the extent of your improvements.
Post Treatment
By now, the stem cells in your body should have started to take effect. In the past few weeks you have made huge monetary, time, and emotional investments. You need to protect these investments. Thus, staying healthy through proper nutrition and exercise is very important. Also, the stem cells are immature and vulnerable at this stage. You need to be healthy and fever-free for the next couple of months. If you have a fever, make sure to use fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol or acetaminophen.
It is important to eat right and stay fit and healthy. Your stem cells need good nutrition and oxygen to thrive. Avoid junk food and sugar. Exercising, including physical therapy helps increase your body’s blood circulation. In the six months after treatment, it is recommended that you refrain from smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol. In addition, please take all necessary steps to stay away from people who are sick or might be sick. Try your best not to expose yourself to any illnesses.
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