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. 2014 Apr;7(2):93-8.
doi: 10.4103/0974-1208.138864.

Autologous stem cell transplantation in refractory Asherman's syndrome: A novel cell based therapy

Neeta Singh  1 , Sujata Mohanty  1 , Tulika Seth  1 , Meenakshi Shankar  1 , Sruthi Bhaskaran  1 , Sona Dharmendra  1
Affiliations

Autologous stem cell transplantation in refractory Asherman's syndrome: A novel cell based therapy

Neeta Singh et al. J Hum Reprod Sci. 2014 Apr.

Abstract

Background: There is substantial evidence that adult stem cell populations exist in human endometrium, and hence it is suggested that either endogenous endometrial stem/progenitor cells can be activated or bone marrow derived stem cells can be transplanted in the uterine cavity for endometrial regeneration in Asherman's syndrome (AS).

Aims and objectives: The objective was to evaluate the role of sub-endometrial autologous stem cell implantation in women with refractory AS in attaining menstruation and fertility.

Setting: Tertiary care referral center.

Design: Prospective case series.

Materials and methods: Six cases of refractory AS with failed standard treatment option of hysteroscopic adhesiolysis in the past were included. Mononuclear stem cells (MNCs) were implanted in sub-endometrial zone followed by exogenous oral estrogen therapy. Endometrial thickness (ET) was assessed at 3, 6, and 9 months.

Results: Descriptive statistics and statistical analysis of study variables was carried out using STATA version 9.0. The mean MNC count was 103.3 × 106 (±20.45) with mean CD34+ count being 203,642 (±269,274). Mean of ET (mm) at 3 months (4.05 ± 1.40), 6 months (5.46 ± 1.36) and 9 months (5.48 ± 1.14) were significantly (P < 0.05) increased from pretreatment level (1.38 ± 0.39). Five out of six patients resumed menstruation.

Conclusion: The autologous stem cell implantation leads to endometrial regeneration reflected by restoration of menstruation in five out of six cases. Autologous stem cell implantation is a promising novel cell based therapy for refractory AS.

Keywords: Asherman's syndrome; autologous stem cells; bone marrow; endometrial regeneration.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Endometrial growth over 9 months follow-up
Figure 2
Figure 2
Pretransplant endometrial thickness of one patient
Figure 3
Figure 3
Posttransplant endometrial thickness of the same patient
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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