Research Information System
Sabiad , vol.6, no.1, pp.40-45, 2023 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
Objective: Several countries have used mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in clinical trials for treating Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) patients, considering their therapeutic effects through tissue repair and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the early effects of MSC application in COVID-19 pneumonia patients on clinical and inflammatory parameters and life expectancy. Material and Method: We retrospectively analyzed 164 unvaccinated patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (all age groups) who had applied to the Republic of Turkiye, Ministry of Health, Department of Tissue, Organ Transplantation, and Dialysis Services and received the MSC application from March 1, 2020 to March 1, 2021. Results: Using the Kaplan Mayer survival analysis, the cut-off age (which significantly increased the survival risk) was found to be 61 years. Females had a 1.56 times higher risk of death than males. Sixty-eight percent (113/164) of the patients had a comorbidity, which increased the risk of death by 1.58 times compared to those without any comorbidity. The presence of coronary artery disease increased the risk of death by 1.79 times. Further, the risk of death was 7 times higher in intubated patients than in those who were not (95% CI: 3.72–13.17). Unfortunately, 64% (106/164) of the patients died. Lastly, there was a statistically significant increase in the post-MSC treatment median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score (SOFA) score values at the time of application, on days 3, 7, 14, and until the end (discharge/exitus). Conclusion: This study was conducted with unvaccinated patients and MSC treatment for COVID-19-related pneumonia is not adequately effective.