Stem Cells Therapy for Lupus and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks your own healthy tissues and organs.
At The Stem Cells Transplant Institute in Costa Rica, we use mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus.
The symptoms of lupus vary depending on which part of the body is affected.
The following symptoms are the most common ones:
- Dry eyes
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint pain and swelling
- Skin lesion Raynaud’s phenomenon (fingers and toes that turn white or blue)
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- Confusion or memory loss
What do we know about SLE?
Antibodies are produced by the immune system to protect the body from foreign invaders such as viruses, bacteria, and germs. The immune system in patients with SLE malfunctions and is unable to distinguish between foreign invaders and healthy tissue in the body, thus, sending autoantibodies to attack and destroy the healthy tissue.
Approximately 10% of lupus patients develop systemic lupus erythematosus, a more severe form of the disease. It can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
Some patients experience a sudden onset of symptoms, while others may have symptoms that develop slowly.
Current FDA approved treatments decrease inflammation and/or the level of autoimmune activity, and are selected considering the severity of the symptoms and whether any organs are affected.
Patients with more severe symptoms will usually be prescribed corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, a monoclonal-antibody, or Rituxan.
Patients are rarely cured using standard treatments and life-long treatment is often required.This medications are costly and medications will continuously change, as finding the right combination could take years.
What are researchers investigating and can stem cell therapy improve the symptoms of lupus and SLE?
More than 200 patients unresponsive to standard treatments were evaluated by physicians in China for the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell treatments.
Overall, 75% of patients responded to treatment, with some patients reporting a reduction in symptoms lasting up to 24 months.
In a 5-year follow-up of 81 patients, 54% of patients were still in complete or partial remission of the disease.
Researchers found stem cell therapy to be safe and effective after 6 years, with no serious treatment-related adverse events.
Umbilical cord stem cells have been found to be safe in patients with immune disease.
According to ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov), 8 studies being conducted using hUC-MSCs in patients with SLE, and an additional 39 clinical trials in other related autoimmune diseases.
umbilical cord donations
Intravenus Administration
How Are the Stem Cells Collected?
Our clinic focuses on obtaining healthy stem cells exclusively from umbilical cord blood donors. We collect the placenta once the baby is born, with the parent’s informed consent. Additionally, we follow strict ethical guidelines and collect stem cells from reliable and reputable sources.
How Are the Stem Cells Administered?
Our nursing staff administers the stem cells through an intravenous and intra-pulmonary route. For the most effective outcomes, intravenous administration is preferred.
About the Stem Cells Transplant Institute
Our clinic is located in Costa Rica, which is one of the most popular medical tourism destinations for stem cell therapy. At the Stem Cells Transplant Institute, we have a skilled team of doctors and medical professionals who collect and administer stem cells to treat autism and other conditions. Every patient receives the most cost-effective and top-notch care from our dedicated team.
