Stem Cells for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Characterized by progressive scarring that causes the lung to lose flexibility, and its function deteriorates over time.

What is it?

It is a chronic disease that affects both lungs diffusely, characterized by a progressive scarring (fibrosis) that causes the lung to lose flexibility, and its function deteriorates over time.

The cause is unknown, but there are some potential risks for developing this disease, among which are the following:

  • Tobacco use.
  • Chronic aspiration, secondary to gastroesophageal reflux. 
  • Genetic and familial factors.

Signs & Symptoms

The symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis can be very variable, from not producing any symptoms to producing exhaustion with any effort. 

The most frequent are shortness of breath on exertion and coughing, which progress over years or months, and, in advanced stages, respiratory failure with the need for oxygen therapy.

diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by adequate clinical questioning, chest radiography and high-resolution computed tomography.

Lung tissue biopsy may be required when the alterations seen on computed tomography do not allow a definitive diagnosis of the disease. This biopsy can be performed by bronchoscopy or surgery.

The 6-minute walk test is used to assess the impact of the disease on exercise capacity. These measurements make it possible to assess the severity of the disease, its evolution over time and the response to treatment.

Complications

Among the complications of pulmonary fibrosis, the following can be mentioned:

  • Pulmonary hypertension: it starts when scar tissue compresses the arteries and smaller capillaries, which increases resistance to blood flow in the lungs.
  • Right heart failure (cor pulmonale): Occurs when the right lower chamber of the heart must pump more than normal to carry blood through the partially blocked pulmonary arteries.
  • Respiratory failure. Often the last stage of chronic lung disease, this occurs when oxygen levels in the blood drop too low.
  • Lung cancer. Long-standing pulmonary fibrosis also increases the risk of developing lung cancer.

Stem Cells

MSC therapy is a safe and effective approach that can significantly improve survival and lung fibrosis

Intravenous infusion with MSCs can block the progression of lung damage and at the same time, decrease existing fibrotic lesions in lung tissue.