The Importance of Timing in the Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 infection (Retrospective study)

Author(s): Rabia Yilmaz, Zafer Çukurova, Gülsüm Oya Hergünsel, Sinan A?ar, Erdal Karaöz, Nilgün I?iksaçan, Gökhan Tolga Ada?, José RA Azevedo

Background: The aim of this study is to control the disease by administering MSC treatment to COVID-19 patients who are taken into intensive care unit, and to assess at what time period the MSC transplant has a more positive curative effect on COVID-19 infection.

Methods: Group 1 (n=32): the first administration of MSCs was started within 1-4 days, Group 2 (n=36): the first administration of MSCs was started within 4-8 days, Group 3 (n=36): the first administration of MSCs was started within 8-12 days. The main parameters investigated: COVID-19 inflammation markers, length of hospital stay, and mortality rates.

Results: In our study, 54 (52%) of 104 patients died and 50 patients (48%) were discharged with recovery. When we evaluated the mortality rates between the groups, 10 patients (31%) in group-, 20 patients (56%) in group-2 and 24 patients (67%) in group-3 died, respectively. The groups were compared statistically, the mortality rate was significant in favor of group-1 (p<0,05). When the groups were compared in terms of COVID-19 inflammation markers, CRP and D-dimer levels of group-1 were found to be lower than the other groups (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Administration of MSCs in the early time period reduces mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19.