Autologous Bone marrow Stem cell studies in Omega Hospital Mangalore

Mangalore, Jun 24: Stem cell therapy and research is gaining momentum all over the world. City-based Omega Hospital in association with Nichi-In centre for regenerative medicine, Japan, has launched stem cell therapy and research unit, for the benefit of wide range of patients in and around Dakshina Kannada and Kerala. It is of immense use for patients suffering from chronic diseases, who hither to were not curable. Patients suffering from spinal injuries, liver failure, Parkinson’s disease and severe heart failure can benefit from stem cell therapy.

Omega Hospital, a super specialty hospital, has pioneered the introduction of this new technology to the region. Stem cell therapy and research centre at Omega Hospital was established six months ago. Currently this facility is available only in a few hospitals in India, and Omega Hospital is the only hospital in coastal Karnataka offering this type of treatment.

The procedure followed is simple which consists of removing the blood from the bone marrow of a patient and the stem cells are isolated, processed and injected either into the blood stream, the spinal cord or coronary artery of the patient. The stem cells then settle in the targeted organ and transform into specialized cells of that organ and multiply, thereby strengthening the function of the diseased organ. The signs of improvement may take up to six months.

Two patients underwent initiation of stem cell therapy successfully recently. Both were paralyzed below their waist due to accidents. A 27-year-old male patient from Vittal and a 35-year-old female were given the stem cell therapy. Patients may require repetition of the treatment depending on the response.

A team of doctors consisting of Dr A G Jayakrishan , cardiac surgeon and head of stem cell therapy unit, Dr K Mukund, chief cardiologist; Dr Diwakar Rao, neurosurgeon, Dr Subramaniam Chellappan, anaestetist, Dr L N Achar and? Dr A K Kasim administered the treatment.