Adult Stem Cells Help Those With Immune Disorders, Heart Disease

(Page 2)

In 17 studies of 1,002 heart attack patients, 16 studies of 493 patients with chronic coronary artery disease, and three meta-analyses, there was evidence suggesting that adult stem cell transplantation may help lead to modest improvements in cardiac function among people with coronary artery disease.

More clinical trials are needed to determine the most appropriate stem cell type, dose, method, timing of delivery -- as well as adverse effects -- to treat cardiovascular and immune diseases and other disorders, the review authors concluded.

The study is published in the Feb. 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

More information

The U.S. National Institutes of Health has more about stem cells.