Autism-Open Access
Open Access
ISSN: 2165-7890
+44 1223 790975
ISSN: 2165-7890
+44 1223 790975
Alok Sharma
NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute, India
Keynote: Autism Open Access
Stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential therapeutic startegy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It can alter the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of ASD such as immune dysfunction, hypoperfusion, neuroinflammation, abnormal functioning and connectivity of the brain through the regenerative capabilities and paracrine effects of stem cells. We studied 32 patients with ASD treated with autologous BMMNCs intrathecal transplantation and multidisciplinary rehabilitation over a period of 26 months, with an average of 12.7 months. Outcome measures used were Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA), Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Clinical Global Impression scale (CGI) and Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography (PET – CT) scans. Total 91% of the patients showed improvements. Post intervention there was a statistically significant improvement in ISAA score (p<0.001 ) and CGI scores (p=0.001). Statistically significant improvement was noted in all the domains of ISAA scales. Significant symptmatic improvements were observed in eye contact, hyperactivity, attention and concentration, social behaviour and repetitive motor mannerisms. In 3 children seizures were noted as an adverse event which was managed medically and did not affect the improvements post intervention. We also studied 13 patients with ASD, who showed improved brain metabolism post cellular transplantation on PET – CT scan that corroborated with the clinical findings.
Alok Sharma is the Director of NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute, Professor and Head of Department of Neurosurgery, LTMG Hospital & LTM Medical College and Consultant Neurosurgeon at Fortis Hospital, Mumbai. He completed MS and MCh from Seth G S Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai and subsequently trained at the Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden & University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, USA. He has published 137 scientific papers, authored 16 books, edited 1 book, contributed chapters in 18 books and made over 150 scientific presentations nationally and internationally. He is Founding President of the Stem Cell Society (India) and Vice President of International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR). He is Founder of “The Indian Journal of Stem Cell Therapy”. He has been conferred with numerous awards and honors during his career. He has extensively researched the pathophysiology of various neurodevelopmental disorders and evolved comprehensive treatment options for the disorders like Autism, Cerebral Palsy and Intellectual Disability. He has pioneered the concept of stem cell therapy for incurable neurological disorders. His other areas of special interest are Neuroendoscopy, Psychosurgery, Spinal Fixations & Revascularization for Cerebral Ischemia.
E-mail: alok276@gmail.com