Mesenchymal Stem Cells Use in the Treatment of Tendon Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Clinical Studies
- Author:
Woo Sup CHO
1
;
Sun Gun CHUNG
;
Won KIM
;
Chris H. JO
;
Shi-Uk LEE
;
Sang Yoon LEE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine 2021;45(4):274-283
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy in patients with tendon disorders enrolled in prospective clinical studies.
Methods:We systematically searched prospective clinical studies that investigated the effects of MSC administration on human tendon disorders with at least a 6-month follow-up period in the PubMed-MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. The primary outcome of interest was the change in pain on motion related to tendon disorders. Meta-regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between MSC dose and pooled effect sizes in each cell dose.
Results:Four prospective clinical trials that investigated the effect of MSCs on tendon disorders were retrieved. MSCs showed a significant pooled effect size (overall Hedges’ g pooled standardized mean difference=1.868; 95% confidence interval, 1.274–2.462; p<0.001). The treatment with MSCs improved all the aspects analyzed, namely pain, functional scores, radiological parameters (magnetic resonance image or ultrasonography), and arthroscopic findings. In the meta-regression analysis, a significant cell dose-dependent response in pain relief (Q=9.06, p=0.029) was observed.
Conclusion:Our meta-analysis revealed that MSC therapy may improve pain, function, radiological, and arthroscopic parameters in patients with tendon disorders. A strong need for large-scale randomized controlled trials has emerged to confirm the long-term functional improvement and adverse effects of MSC therapies in tendon disorders.
