Stem Cell Transplantation in Retinitis Pigmentosa Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was to evaluate the effect of stem cell transplantation into the sub-retinal space in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients for improving their visual acuity. RP is a progressive hereditary disease that leads to the blindness, and there is no reliable treatment for recover the disease until now. METHODS: The author transplanted mesenchymal stem cell extracted from umbilical cord blood into the sub-retina of four RP patients recommended by Korea RP association, and checked the changes of their visual acuity and electroretinograms. RESULTS: There was no obvious improvement in their visual acuity and elecroretinograms compared with preoperative state. Two patients, however, experienced slight improvements of their color sense and peripheral visual fields, and slight decrease of photophobia. Although there were no any obvious complications in relation to the stem cell transplantation, surgical procedures developed complications such as vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment. CONCLUSIONS: Mesenchymal stem cell derived from umbilical cord blood could not improve visual acuity and electroretinogram of RP patients.