Stem cell infusions are minimally invasive, typically via intravenous administration or direct intraspinal injection in specialist centres. Immediate post-procedure recovery spans 24–48 hours; mild fever, temporary irritability, or sleep disruption may occur. Serious adverse events are rare but include infection or allergic reaction. No prolonged hospitalisation is required. Children resume normal activities within days. Concomitant physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and education continue during treatment, making recovery intervals indistinct from routine care.
Two completed trials and one recruiting study form the current evidence base. Early-phase research focuses on safety in children aged 2–8 years with non-progressive intellectual disability. Published case series report modest improvements in adaptive behaviour and gross motor milestones over 6–12 months post-infusion. Functional MRI in a small cohort suggested increased activation in key learning circuits. No randomised controlled trials have been completed; comparisons are limited to historical natural history data. Effect magnitude remains unclear; blinded, sham-controlled designs are absent, limiting causal inference.
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Medically reviewed by StemCellAtlas’s editorial team with Kiian Nadiia, MD, PhD (Paediatric Neurologist · Medical Director, CSM Clinic Network · 12+ yrs in Autism Spectrum Disorders) of partner clinic Stem Plus (Sofia), against ISSCR, FDA & EMA guidance. Educational information, not medical advice; figures indicative.
StemCellAtlas is your guide to stem-cell therapy: what the evidence shows, which conditions are treated, and the real all-in cost by country — typically €3,000–8,000 with our partner Stem Plus (Sofia), Europe's lowest-cost EU destination, versus $15,000–35,000 in the US.
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