The role of stem cells in the management of neonatal posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus

Neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a common complication of prematurity as it affects 12.4% of preterm infants weighing under 1500 g. Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) is an important complication of neonatal IVH and can have serious long-term consequences such as cognitive impairment and cerebral palsy. The purpose of this review is to determine whether stem cell transplantation can play a role in the treatment of neonatal IVH mainly focusing on the prevention of the catastrophic sequelae of neonatal IVH, as well as to the improve outcome of these patients.

A literature search was performed using the PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases, and after meticulous screening, eight articles were finally selected. The authors included both animal and human studies in this narrative review.

Our review included eight articles, five animal studies and three human studies, including one phase 1 clinical trial, one pilot study, and one case report. Intraventricular transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) early after IVH diagnosis seems to prevent the development of PHH, improve myelination, and reduce periventricular cell death, inflammation, and reactive gliosis. It also seems to be a safe and well-tolerated procedure in preterm infants.

Animal and human study findings regarding stem cell transplantation in the treatment of IVH show promising results in reducing the risk of PHH. Further research with larger series is needed to better determine its safety and efficacy. Larger studies such as randomized controlled trials could establish the efficacy and tolerability of the treatment.