COPD & Stem Cell Treatments

COPD
(Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by shortness of breath; labored respirations on exertion and when lying flat; fatigue; sleep apnea; often dependence on oxygen sometimes 24 hours a day; marked limitations of activities even very short distances in walking; susceptibility to recurrent bronchitis and pneumonia. Patients are monitored by spirometry, pulmonary function tests and pulse ox tests.

Medical treatment consists of inhaled bronchodilators atrovent such as albuterol(or Xopenex), Pulmocort for short term use for severe shortness of breath and Spireva and Advair for long term control, and steroids. Patients during the day may use hand inhalers during the day time and nebulizer at night.

Additional treatment are the use of special inhalers that deliver medications move deeply into the lung tissues; breathing exercises, chest tapping to loosen mucus plugs in the bronchi and bronchioles and postural drainage.

The disease is slowly progressive and limits the activities and quality of life of the patient. The long term effects of COPD result in right sided enlargement of the heart.

In recent times treatments with stem cells have been used in attempts to greatly improve lung function. Originally autologous adult stem cells have been used with modest success. Currently treatment now has been with the use of stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood. These cells are then grown in culture with special nutrients and growth factors to program them to become pulmonary stem cells. This culture method usually requires about three weeks in time. Patients are given progenitor cells, pulmonary stem cells and human stem cell growth factors intravenously over a one hour plus period. In addition pulmonary stem cells and retinoic acid is given by nebulizer.

Post stem therapy program medications are then given to the patient to be taken for six months. Patients who travel a distance whether by plane or automobile to receive this treatment should have received a pneumovax and flu vaccine within the last three years. In severe cases of emphysema and COPD the use of short term inhalers and prophylactic antibiotics may be advisable to prevent secondary infections because of fatigue of traveling; exposure to secondary infections; and decreased immune system. Eat lots of broccoli and apples that are rich in anti-oxidants. An intake of Retinoic acid of 100 mg. and alpha- tocopherol 1200 mg. per day is recommended.

Treatment consists of the following:


		COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by shortness of breath; labored respirations on exertion and when lying flat; fatigue; sleep apnea; often dependence on oxygen sometimes 24 hours a day; marked limitations of activities even very short distances in walking; susceptibility to recurrent bronchitis and pneumonia. Patients are monitored by spirometry, pulmonary function tests and pulse ox tests. Medical treatment consists of inhaled bronchodilators atrovent such as albuterol(or Xopenex), Pulmocort for short term use for severe shortness of breath and Spireva and Advair for long term control, and steroids. Patients during the day may use hand inhalers during the day time and nebulizer at night. Additional treatment are the use of special inhalers that deliver medications move deeply into the lung tissues; breathing exercises, chest tapping to loosen mucus plugs in the bronchi and bronchioles and postural drainage. The disease is slowly progressive and limits the activities and quality of life of the patient. The long term effects of COPD result in right sided enlargement of the heart. In recent times treatments with stem cells have been used in attempts to greatly improve lung function. Originally autologous adult stem cells have been used with modest success. Currently treatment now has been with the use of stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood. These cells are then grown in culture with special nutrients and growth factors to program them to become pulmonary stem cells. This culture method usually requires about three weeks in time. Patients are given progenitor cells, pulmonary stem cells and human stem cell growth factors intravenously over a one hour plus period. In addition pulmonary stem cells and retinoic acid is given by nebulizer. Post stem therapy program medications are then given to the patient to be taken for six months. Patients who travel a distance whether by plane or automobile to receive this treatment should have received a pneumovax and flu vaccine within the last three years. In severe cases of emphysema and COPD the use of short term inhalers and prophylactic antibiotics may be advisable to prevent secondary infections because of fatigue of traveling; exposure to secondary infections; and decreased immune system. Eat lots of broccoli and apples that are rich in anti-oxidants. An intake of Retinoic acid of 100 mg. and alpha- tocopherol 1200 mg. per day is recommended. Treatment consists of the following: Endogenous pulmonary stem cells are stimulated to increase in numbers by oral and injectable agents. Autologous stem cells derived from the patient’s own blood or bone marrow are given to the patient intravenously. Pulmonary stem cells are mixed with CD34+ and CD133+ cells and stem cell factor and given intravenously to the patient. Pulmonary stem cells are also given by nebulizer inhalation. In some patients treatment may involve the use of anti-cytokines and anti-fibroblast factor. Follow-up care: Patients are placed on prophylactic antibiotics for ten days. Oral agents are given to stimulate stem cells for at least twelve months. Patients are seen at the StemCellRegenMed Clinic and/or by webcam telemedicine at regularly scheduled periods. Post stem therapy program medications are then given to the patient to be taken for six months. Patients who travel a distance whether by plane or automobile to receive this treatment should have received a pneumovax and flu vaccine within the last three years. In severe cases of emphysema and COPD the use of short term inhalers and prophylactic antibiotics may be advisable to prevent secondary infections because of fatigue of traveling; exposure to secondary infections; and decreased immune system. Eat lots of broccoli and apples that are rich in anti-oxidants. An intake of Retinoic acid of 100 mg. and alpha- tocopherol 1200 mg. per day is recommended.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

COPD
(Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)