![]() One study showed over 82% of patients given stem cells noticeable improvements in their quality of life and being able to reduce the need for oxygen therapy. As with any regenerative treatment, the earlier in the course of disease process, the better the outcome. Results vary depending on the progression of the disease, age, and overall health. The stem cell IV for COPD is simple and results may be seen quickly. For this amount of stem cells a patient can expect to spend $10,000 up to $35,000 if you choose to go outside of the U.S. Clinical trials show 1-2 million stem cells per Kg of body weight are necessary to achieve a positive outcome. Most labs are unable to provide the high number needed for COPD. When researching stem cell clinics for COPD, it is important to ask about the number of stem cells offered and the viability. UCB-MSC’s are just 9 months old and have been shown to be more robust than the host’s less viable stem cells and respond strongly to paracrine signaling compared to the host stem cells. The bone marrow and adipose derived stem cells from the patient reflect the poor health of the host. Most COPD patients are older and generally unhealthy. ![]() In addition, adipose derived stem cells pose increased risks for infection. This prevents possible pulmonary entrapment that has occured with some infusions of BM-MSC’s and adipose stem cells. Umbilical cord derived stem cells (UCB-MSC’s) have the advantage over bone marrow derived stem cells (BM-MSC’s) and adipose derived stem cells due to their smaller size. For more information on how stem cells work see our FAQ page. The stem cells travel to the lungs via paracrine signaling to secrete growth factors and cytokines to begin repair. The MSCs stimulate the body’s own regenerative and repair capabilities in the areas of injured tissue. The mesenchymal stem cells modulate the immune system by inhibiting the overactive chemicals such as IL-6 and enhancing the regulatory T cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC’s) are showing promising results for COPD patients, even in advanced patients. Unfortunately, this medical model makes COPD terminal. These medications simply control the symptoms and further weaken the patient’s immune system and lung tissue integrity. The downside of these treatments is increased risk for infections like colds and flus, and cancer due to long term suppression of the immune system. Antibiotics are given for recurring lung infections such as pneumonia. Steroids are used to suppress the immune system by controlling mucus production and expanding airways. Medical treatments revolve around around controlling symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no cure for COPD, so the condition is terminal. Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, reduced exercise tolerance, fatigue, and chronic wet cough. Scar tissue gradually takes over healthy functional tissue making it more difficult for the lungs to do their job of taking in oxygen and expelling CO2. There are other causes of COPD such as long standing asthma, chronic bronchitis, history of pneumonia as a child and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). ![]() Emphysema is profoundly caused by smoking and unfortunately, long after the smoke exposure ceases, the inflammatory process persists. These progressive changes in the lungs decrease quality of life and lead to disability. The thickening of airways increases airway resistance resulting in air trapping. Over time, long term injury to the parnechyma results in restricted airways and hyperinflation of the lungs. This terminal disease is diagnosed in 14 million Americans but millions more suffer from COPD who are not diagnosed. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a degenerative condition of the lungs and includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
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