STEM CELL THERAPIES FOR CARDIAC REPAIR IN CHILDREN: EMERGING INSIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

Background: Pediatric cardiac disorders present significant therapeutic challenges. Stem cell
therapies have emerged as a potential regenerative solution, offering prospects for substantial cardiac repair and functional improvement in children. Methods: This multicenter,
randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of stem cell therapies for cardiac
repair in pediatric patients. A total of 200 participants were randomized to receive either stem
cell therapy or conventional medical management. The primary outcomes measured were
successful cardiac repair, improvement in cardiac function, and the safety profile, including
the incidence of adverse events over a follow-up period of one year. Results: The treatment
group showed a significantly higher rate of successful cardiac repair (70% vs. 50%, p=0.001)
and improvement in cardiac function as evidenced by enhanced ejection fraction and reduced
heart size on imaging. The odds ratios for ejection fraction improvement and NYHA class
enhancement were 2.85 (95% CI, 1.73 - 4.69, p<0.001) and 2.91 (95% CI, 1.68 - 5.04,
p=0.0002), respectively. Adverse events were fewer in the stem cell therapy group compared
to the control group (10% vs. 20%, p=0.043). Long-term cardiac function was sustained in a
greater proportion of the treatment group (55% vs. 30%, p=0.0003). Conclusion: Stem cell
therapy demonstrates significant potential for enhancing cardiac repair and function in
pediatric patients with fewer adverse effects compared to conventional treatment. These
findings support further research and consideration of stem cell therapies as a viable
treatment option in pediatric cardiology