Stem Cell Therapy is a cell that has the unique ability to transform and developing to any type of cell. A stem cell transforms and takes the features of another type of cell found in the area of the body where it grows.
A stem cell does not perform a specific role; it has the ability to perform the roles of all the different types of cells in the body. It divides and replicates itself to new cells found in the area where it was concentrated.
It is used to renew and replace dead and diseased cells in the body. Stem cells can divide and replicate to form tissues.
There are over 200 different types of cells in the body. Each of these types of cells has different features and characteristics. They perform different specific functions and roles.
A stem cell has the ability to grow and replicate into any of these different types of cells and perform the roles of those cells.
Stem cells are usually found in the bone marrow or fat. It is harvested from the bone marrow or fat of a patient and concentrated or deposited in the joint or area affected with arthritis. The cells then renew and duplicate, replacing the damaged or diseased cartilage.
A stem cell procedure amplifies the natural mechanism of the body for healing from different kinds of diseases and also decreases body inflammation.
What medical conditions benefit from stem cells?
There are several medical conditions that can be treated with stem cells. They include:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Autism spectrum
- Heart failure
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Stoke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoarthritis
- Trauma
- Chronic wounds or burns
- Autoimmune diseases
- Parkinson disease
- Tendinitis or meniscus tears
- Type 2 diabetes
- Sports injuries
Risks and side effects
Stem cells therapy is considered a safe treatment because the stem cells are harvested from the patient’s body. This minimizes the risk of negative reactions or complications.
However, like every medical procedure, there are common side effects such as temporary swelling, pain and infection.
Risk and complications may increase if:
- The stem cell used is a different type of stem cell which is not supposed to be used. For example, using pluripotent stem cells instead of adult stem cells.
- If the stem cells are taken from a donor.
- The stem cells are cultured. This means if the stem cells are taken from a patient and grown in the lab over time.
- The stem cells are mixed with chemicals.
Severe risks and side effects that may occur include:
Infections
When cells are taken out of the body, they can be contaminated with bacteria and viruses.
When the cells are injected into the body, these pathogens cause the person to become sick or infected.
Exacerbation of arthritis
The use of synovial mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of arthritis joints has the potential to worsen the condition. This was found according to a review in 2014.
Injecting the synovial mesenchymal stem cells into the joint tissue triggers the development of synovial fibroblasts.
Synovial fibroblasts are cells that contribute to joint inflammation and damage.
Cancer
According to the review in 2014, the intravenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells could suppress the immune response that protects against cancerous cells.
This facilitates the growth of cancerous cells in the body.
Precautions
Stem cell therapy for arthritis is still under clinical trials.
Researchers are still undergoing more researches and investigating ways that stem cells can be used to control inflammation and regenerate damaged tissues.
The research and investigation are still at the early stages and more analysis needs to be done as consistent results have not been produced.
Stem cells therapy is not yet approved by the FDA as a treatment option for arthritis. It is not yet a standard practice and there may be serious side effects that are yet unknown.
However, patients that have undergone stem cell treatments have recorded good improvements and pain relief.
There has not been any severe risks or complications recorded with the treatment.
If you are considering stem cells treatments, the International Society of Stem Cell Research has offered the following advice and precautionary measures.
They include:
- Do not go to any clinic that offers unregulated treatments.
- Do not undergo treatments that have not gone through successful clinical trials.
- Do not partake in research that is not a part of the FDA-approved clinical trial.
- Avoid clinics that downplay or reduce the risks associated with their treatments.
- Avoid clinics that use patient testimonials and persuasive language instead of scientific evidence.
- Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before undergoing the treatment.
Cost of stem cell therapy
The cost of stem cell therapy can range from between $5,000 to $50,000 depending on the medical condition being treated.
MD Ageless Solutions: Best Medspa for stem cell therapy in Miami
MD Ageless Solutions is a Medspa in Miami that performs stem cell therapy for the treatment of different kinds of diseases and skin conditions. We provide Intravenous (IV) stem cell treatments, stem cell treatment for pain, stem cell O shot treatment, and more. We provide very safe stem cell treatments with no allergic reactions or infections.
