On 1/26/2010 stem cells that had been cryopreserved in Biohellenika’s labs were infused into a child 26 months old, who suffered from cerebral palcy since birth, in the Hematology clinic of Duke University. The child was born after a very difficult natural labor, the media cerebral artery was occluded, because of stress and the child developed serious problems.
Biohellenika sent the complete file of cryopreservation of the baby’s placenta blood to the clinic. The file was examined closely and approved by the doctors of the clinic. Then, the medical team requested the transport of the child and the sample.
The post-thaw tests at this time were done in Biohellenika’s labs and the viability of cells after thawing was 96%. The cells were cryopreserved in three cryovials and the total number of cells was enough for triple child’s weight. The administration of stem cells was scheduled for 26/1/2010. The child was infused with its cells of the two cryovials and the third remains in Duke University for future use, whatever the physicians will decide.
The child did not present any complications during the administration of the cells that lasted 10 minutes. The administration of the cells was safe and no side effects were noticed. Biohellenika cryopreserves clear nucleated cells, after almost full depletion of red blood cells, so the amount of cryoprotectant DMSO is very low. Because of that the side effects like vomiting, nausea and changes in the blood pressure are very rare. The child during the whole procedure was completely calm and cheerful.