Stem-Cell Treatment Repairs Cardiac Damage

By Doug Donaldson

A new stem-cell treatment given intravenously to patients within 10 days of a heart attack succeeded in preventing or reversing cardiac damage among patients in a clinical trial.

Results of the trial, presented at an American College of Cardiology meeting in March 2006, showed dramatic results, according to Joshua Hare, M.D., lead author of the study. After six months, follow-up tests showed improved heart function in patients, especially among the most damaged hearts. Lung function also improved, and patients experienced fewer arrhythmias. The stem cells were harvested from adult donors.

“It’s important to note that this study is very early,” Hare said in a release. “We must expand trials to determine the real-world application of stem-cell therapy to fight heart disease.”