Allogeneic Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in a Desperate Case of Forearm and Hand Ischemia

Limb ischemia is a main health problem in a growing elderly population. Although there are more medical, surgical and endovascular approaches to this condition, it is not unusual to find patients with no options but major amputations. Here in we present one case of critical upper limb ischemia due to humeral thrombosis which was unsuccessfully treated by surgery that was referred to our center. We had the opportunity to offer an allogeneic stem cell treatment before doing a complete amputation of the limb. This treatment was given in a compassionate way, with agreement of the Spanish National Medical Agency. 70 million adipose mesenchymal stem cells were injected intramuscularly 7 days after admission. Two minor finger amputations were necessary in the immediate follow up period. One year after the procedure our patient is still doing well, without pain in his hand and returned to normal activities. Allogeneic stem cell treatment is a feasible treatment that can be offered in a short time from the index event and that might have a true potential for improving neo-vascularization in critically ischemic limbs. It might also be useful then as a co-adjuvant therapy in other revascularization treatments, including medical treatment alone