United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc. • Stem cell research for BPI nerve regrowth - is this for real?
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Stem cell research for BPI nerve regrowth - is this for real?

Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 11:40 pm
by Ginne
It's been a while since I last posted (and I can't remember on what topic) and i have had a very interesting couple of months.

Has anyone heard of the study being carried out by a French Doctor on nerve regeneration? If I understand the info that was passed on to me, there is a French Dr that is using Stem Cells to carry out research on children (of all ages) to re-grow the BP nerves.

*Again, this is 2nd hand info and unfortunately I don't have time anymore to research (hint...hint)*

Anyway, this Dr. has a small study group (around 100 kids) that he is using in S. America. He has completely removed the BP nerves and implanted Stem Cells. My understanding is that the majority of the children at the 2-year old stage (and they are in different stages according to age) have had a complete recovery. The older children area little slower to regenerate, but are making a remarkable recovery.

When I mentioned this to my Pediatric Dr. he looked at me and said yes he had read about it, and actually gave me a little better understanding of what was being accomplished! Supposedly there is a Dr up in Toronto, Ontario (Canada) that is looking into this procedure and hoping to sway the Canadian Government to allow him to do specific research into this

ARGGGGGGGGGGGH!

Anyway if anyone can dig and find out more I would be truly grateful. Is this a load of malarkey or a legit study being done.

Thanks all

Ginne

Re: Stem cell research for BPI nerve regrowth - is this for real?

Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 6:26 pm
by jennyb
Hi Ginne
yes there is definitely research into bpi with stem cell treatment, I have heard about studies in Italy and London, and I'm sure there are others elsewhere. Hadn't previously heard about obpi being treated with these cells but it sounds plausible.
A regular poster on the tbpi board, Christopher, knows just about all there is to know about stem cell, nerve reimplantation treatment etc and he even corresponds with the doctors involved. Here's his profile http://ubpn.org/messageboard/profil ... serID=1438 email him and I'm sure he'll be able to throw some light on the project you mention.

Personally I think this is the future for our injuries.
Jen NZ