Beneficial effects of autologous bone marrow cell infusion and antioxidants/L-arginine in patients with chronic critical limb ischemia

Abstract

Background

Short-term (within 6 weeks follow-up) clinical studies indicate that implantation of bone marrow cells (BMCs) into ischemic limbs may improve peripheral ischemia. Here, the long-term safety and feasibility of intraarterial autologous BMCs with oral treatment with antioxidants and L-arginine were investigated in patients with critical ischemia on account of advanced atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Methods

Eighteen patients with PAD (advanced III/IV Fontaine stages) were enrolled in this study (NCT00306085). An additional group of 18 patients taking maximal drug therapy that refused BMC therapy served as control. The BMC-treated group received two doses of BMCs in the leg arteries (time 0 and 45 days). After 30 days from the first BMC dose, patients received daily antioxidants, and l-arginine. Therapeutic neoangiogenesis was estimated by angiography and laser Doppler capillaroscopy.

Results

Ankle brachial index improvement (ΔABI: >0.1) was seen in 10 patients at 3 months and in 12 patients at 12–18 months. Ischemic ulcers improved in 13 patients (after 6–12 months). Although two patients underwent amputation, the mean maximum walking distance significantly increased at 3 months and was sustained up to 18 months. Among conservative patients, 10 underwent amputation in comparison with two BMC-treated patients (55.6 vs. 13.3%; P = 0.014).

Conclusion

This small study shows that intraarterial autologous BMC and antioxidants and l-arginine therapy is safe and effective in patients with advanced atherosclerotic PAD with positive effects until 18 months. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 15:709–718 © 2008 The European Society of Cardiology