Blood Parameters in Coronavirus Patients After Cell Therapy with Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

With the emergence of SARS CoV-2, we have witnessed numerous deaths and injuries. Due to the possibility of emergence of new strains, there is a need to improve treatment approaches. There are reports on the application of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (p-MSCs) as a therapeutic approach. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of these cells in patients with COVID-19.

Nine patients with severe and critical COVID-19 and severe inflammatory condition admitted to the ICU were candidates for cell therapy. For each subject, three 1 x 106 injections of p-MSC (cell/kg) were administered intravenously. The clinical manifestations of the patients and the occurrence of potential early complications as well as the levels of blood and inflammatory and anti-inflammatory parameters before and after cell therapy were investigated.

All treated patients tolerated the p-MSC injection and no acute side-effect was reported for the treatment. The PaO2/FiO2 level increased significantly in the patients after cell therapy. The analysis of the blood, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory parameters of the patients before and after cell therapy showed a significant decrease in the level of RBC and CRP, D-dimer, IL-6 and TNF-α and an increase in platelets and IL-10. The changes in WBC, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, Hb and PT and biochemical parameters in the serum, fibrinogen coagulation, PH, PCO2, Po2, HCO3 and O2 sat (%) were not statistically significant.

Based on the results, three intravenous injections of p-MSCs in severe and acute patients improved their inflammatory condition and clinical symptoms and had a significant effect on their inflammatory and blood parameters including RBC and platelet.