Overview

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).

In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. Eventually, the disease can cause permanent damage or deterioration of the nerve fibers.

Signs and symptoms of MS vary widely between patients and depend on the location and severity of nerve fiber damage in the central nervous system. Some people with severe MS may lose the ability to walk independently or ambulate at all. Other individuals may experience long periods of remission without any new symptoms depending on the type of MS they have.

There's no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, there are treatments to help speed the recovery from attacks, modify the course of the disease and manage symptoms.

Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis signs and symptoms may differ greatly from person to person and over the course of the disease depending on the location of affected nerve fibers.

• Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs that typically occurs on one side of your body at a time
• Tingling
• Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain neck movements, especially bending the neck forward (Lhermitte sign)
• Lack of coordination
• Unsteady gait or inability to walk
• Partial or complete loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time, often with pain during eye movement
• Prolonged double vision
• Blurry vision
• Vertigo
• Problems with sexual, bowel and bladder function
• Fatigue
• Slurred speech
• Cognitive problems
• Mood disturbances

The Latest Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria for AUTOLOGOUS Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis in PFICell's Trials

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis: A confirmed diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS, secondary progressive MS, or primary progressive MS.
• Age Range: Typically, between 18 and 55 years, although some protocols might extend this range.
• Disease Activity: Evidence of active disease, such as recent relapses or MRI evidence of new lesions.
• Neurological Assessment: Adequate neurological function to undergo the procedure often assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).
• Stable Condition: Patients should demonstrate stability in their MS condition over a defined period (e.g., no relapses for 6 months).
• Informed Consent: Ability to provide informed consent regarding the procedure and its risks.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Poor General Health: Severe comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or respiratory conditions.
• Severe Disability: High EDSS scores indicating significant impairment that may affect recovery (usually EDSS > 6.5).
• Pregnancy or Lactation: Excluded due to potential risks during and after the procedure.
• Active Infections: Any active infections that could complicate treatment or recovery.
• Malignancy: History of cancer, especially hematological cancers, as it may adversely affect treatment outcomes.
• Immunosuppressive Therapy: Current use of immunosuppressive drugs, which may affect stem cell mobilization or recovery.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Presence of other autoimmune disorders that may complicate treatment or outcomes.
• Psychiatric Conditions: Severe psychiatric disorders that hinder informed consent or compliance with treatment protocols.