OBJECTIVETo study the clinical efficacy of transplantation of human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) in the treatment of severe cerebral palsy (CP) in children.

METHODSForty-five children with CP were voluntarily accepted transplantation of hNPCs. The cells obtained from the forebrain of 10 to 12-week-fetus were cultured and amplified into hNPCs. Then the hNPCs were injected into the cerebral ventricle of the patients with the supersonic guidance.

RESULTSDyssomnia, irritability and muscular tension were improved in one patient 3 days after transplantation. The clinical improvements were observed in the majority of the patients 1 month after transplantation. The therapeutic effects slowed down 3 to 6 months after transplantation. One year after transplantation the gross and fine motor skills and the congnition ability in the transplantation group were considerably surpassed to those in the control group. No delayed severe complications were observed after transplantation. No tumorigenesis was noted 5 years after transplantation.

CONCLUSIONSThe transplantation of hNPCs as a novel therapy is effective and safe for severe CP. Many investigations are needed to evaluate the effect of the therapy.