Our Experience with Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Patients with COVID-19

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), has rapidly spread all over the world and has become a public health emergency. Coronavirus disease-2019 has a wide clinical spectrum, from asymptomatic infection to Acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, metabolic acidosis, coagulation disorder, multi-organ failure and even death. The dysregulated and hyperimmune response to SARS-CoV-2 could possibly explain the highly variable disease manifestations and play an important role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Since there is no specific antiviral treatment in the treatment of COVID-19, treatments for inflammation against the virus and sharing experience are important. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory abilities that can migrate to damaged tissues, promote tissue regeneration, and inhibit tissue fibrosis. Today, MSCs are widely used in many clinical studies on immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as Graft-versus-Host disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and perianal Crohn's disease. MSC treatment in COVID-19 is a promising option. In this study, we would present four patients with COVID-19 who were treated with MSCs and who were found to be positive for real-time polymerase chain reaction tests on nasopharyngeal swab or tracheal aspirate. All patients were critically ill were followed up with mechanical ventilator due to severe hypoxemia. One patient was extubated and discharged. Other patients died. In this study, MSCs were used as salvage therapy in the late period, so benefit might not be seen. In previous studies, this treatment was used earlier and there were results showing the benefits of MSCs. Based on this study, MSCs can be a promising treatment option when used in the appropriate patient at the time.