Outcomes of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation in decompensated liver cirrhosis

AIM:To determine the long-term efficacy of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells(BM-MNCs)transplantation in terms of improving liver function and reducing complications in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.METHODS:A total of 47 inpatients with decompensated liver cirrhosis were enrolled in this trial,including32 patients undergoing a single BM-MNCs transplantation plus routine medical treatment,and 15 patients receiving medical treatment only as controls.Fortythree of 47 patients were infected with hepatitis B virus.Bone marrow of 80-100 mL was obtained from each patient and the BM-MNCs suspension was transfused into the liver via the hepatic artery.The efficacy of BM-MNCs transplantation was monitored during a24-mo follow-up period.RESULTS:Liver function parameters in the two groups were observed at 1 mo after BM-MNCs transfusion.Prealbumin level was 118.3±25.3 mg/L vs 101.4±28.7 mg/L(P=0.047);albumin level was 33.5±3.6g/L vs 30.3±2.2 g/L(P=0.002);total bilirubin 36.9±9.7 mmol/L vs 45.6±19.9 mmol/L(P=0.048);prothrombin time 14.4±2.3 s vs 15.9±2.8 s(P=0.046);prothrombin activity 84.3%±14.3%vs 74.4%±17.8%(P=0.046);fibrinogen 2.28±0.53 g/L vs1.89±0.44 g/L(P=0.017);and platelet count 74.5±15.7×109/L vs 63.3±15.7×109/L(P=0.027)in the treatment group and control group,respectively.Differences were statistically significant.The efficacy of BM-MNCs transplantation lasted 3-12 mo as compared with the control group.Serious complications such as hepatic encephalopathy and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis were also significantly reduced in BM-MNCs transfused patients compared with the controls.However,these improvements disappeared 24 mo after transplantation.CONCLUSION:BM-MNCs transplantation is safe and effective in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.It also decreases the incidence of serious complications.