Summary
| Diagnosis | Sex | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autism | Male | 4 years | Australia |
| Injections | Cell type | Admission date | Discharge date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | UCMSC | September 14th 2022 | October 1st 2022 |
Medical history
The patient, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 3 in November 2021, began showing signs of regression around 20 months of age. Since his diagnosis, he has participated in speech and occupational therapy from May 2021 onward, with some improvement but continued challenges, especially in engaging joint attention. He is non-verbal and requires support for daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, and toileting.
Condition On Admission
The patient exhibits several ASD-related symptoms, including lack of verbal communication, stimming behaviors, fleeting eye contact, and sensory-seeking tendencies like constant movement, chewing, spitting, and throwing objects. He struggles with joint attention, making it challenging to engage him in therapeutic activities. He cannot independently manage self-care activities and is still in nappies.
Treatment Schedule
Patient received 8 packs of umbilical cord derived stem cell (UCMSC) by intravenous (IV) injection and intrathecal injection via lumbar puncture (LP), as per the schedule below:
| Number | Date | Cell Type | Delivery Method | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2022-09-19 | UCMSC | Intrathecal Injection & Intravenous Injection | none reported |
| 2 | 2022-09-22 | UCMSC | Intrathecal Injection & Intravenous Injection | none reported |
| 3 | 2022-09-27 | UCMSC | Intrathecal Injection & Intravenous Injection | none reported |
| 4 | 2022-09-30 | UCMSC | Intrathecal Injection & Intravenous Injection | none reported |
Condition 1 month after treatment
Since undergoing stem cell treatment, the patient has experienced some improvements, although many areas remain unchanged. Quality of life has slightly improved overall, with ongoing, small to moderate gains noted in specific areas. While sleep regression and allergy-like skin reactions occurred in the first weeks post-treatment, these issues have since resolved. The family reports feeling somewhat satisfied with the treatment outcome so far, though no formal improvements have been confirmed by the doctor.
| Symptom | Parents’ Assessment of Improvement |
|---|---|
| Aware of environment | Small improvement |
| Concentration | Small improvement |
| Cooperation with others | Small improvement |
| Dressing himself/herself | Small improvement |
| Fixation on objects or subjects | Small improvement |
| General mood | Small improvement |
| Hyperactivity | Small improvement |
| Interaction with others | Moderate improvement |
| Interest in others | Small improvement |
| Uses eye contact | Moderate improvement |
Condition 3 months after treatment
Three months after the initial stem cell treatment, the patient has shown moderate improvement in quality of life, with certain social and behavioral aspects stabilizing at improved levels. His stimming behaviors, such as object-throwing, have partially returned, but the family reports overall satisfaction with the treatment. Physical growth has been noted, potentially due to normal development. While the patient continues to take supplements like Omega 3, a probiotic, and a multivitamin, no new treatments or diagnoses have been added, and the observed improvements have remained steady.
| Symptom | Parents’ Assessment of Improvement |
|---|---|
| Aware of danger | Small improvement |
| Concentration | Moderate improvement |
| General mood | Moderate improvement |
| Hyperactivity | Moderate improvement |
| Interaction with others | Moderate improvement |
| Interest in others | Moderate improvement |
| Responding to commands | Moderate improvement |
| Temper tantrums | Moderate improvement |
| Understanding stories | Moderate improvement |
| Uses eye contact | Moderate improvement |
Condition 6 months after treatment
Six months post-treatment, the patient continues to experience moderate overall improvement, now described by family as a calmer and more settled child. Quality of life has also moderately improved since treatment, and the family is satisfied with the progress, expressing interest in a follow-up treatment. There are no reported illnesses, accidents, or new diagnoses, and improvements have been observed in general physical condition, although no specific symptoms were highlighted by the parents for further tracking at this stage.
