Hepatitis B-Associated Cirrhosis with Fibrin Deposition
- Patient
- A 57-year-old man
- Diagnosis
- Hepatitis B-related cirrhosis (diagnosed 8 weeks prior to admission)
- Treatment
- Two injections of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into the hepatic artery (16 weeks apart)
- Observation
- 80 weeks after treatment
Before
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| Evaluation Criteria | Before Treatment | After treatment (Week 80) |
|---|---|---|
| Ascites (a condition in which fluid accumulates in the abdomen) | Observed in large numbers | Not observed (starting at week 12) |
| Swelling in both legs | Available | Miscarriage (Week 4) |
| Diuretics (Spironolactone, Furosemide) | Currently taking | Paused (4th week) |
| Child-Pugh Score (Liver Function Grade) | 9 points (Grade B) | 5 points (Grade A) |
| Liver Volume (Measured from CT Cross-Sections) | 14,870 mm² | 20,270 mm² |
| Albumin (Blood Protein) | 2.56 g/dL | 4.2 g/dL |
| INR (blood clotting indicator) | 1.38 | 1.01 |
| Alpha-Fetoprotein (α-FP) | 212.3 ng/mL | 10.93 ng/mL |
| Platelet count | 93.1 (×1000/μL) | 78.0 (×1000/μL) — Decrease |
Overview
The patient had cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B and had been taking antiviral medications and diuretics for 8 weeks, but the ascites and leg edema did not improve. At the time of admission, the patient’s liver function was classified as Child-Pugh Class B (9 points). In this case, mesenchymal stem cells harvested and cultured from the patient’s own bone marrow were administered twice via the hepatic artery at approximately 16-week intervals, and the patient continued to take antiviral medications throughout the treatment period.
Progress
By week 4 after the first administration, ascites had decreased and edema in both legs had resolved, so diuretics were discontinued; by week 12, no ascites was observed on ultrasound. A CT scan at week 80 showed no ascites, the liver surface had become smooth, and the measured liver volume had increased. Blood tests showed an increase in albumin and a decrease in alpha-fetoprotein. However, the paper notes that because the patient was also taking antiviral medication, it is difficult to attribute these results solely to the stem cell therapy; there is no separate description of adverse reactions.
Source Kim K, Shin IS, Bang HJ, et al. Can bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells change liver volume?: A case report. JGH Open. 2021;5(2):320-323. (CC BY 4.0)
This is an anonymised record of an individual case. Outcomes vary from person to person, and every medical procedure carries the possibility of side effects.
This case does not guarantee any treatment outcome. Stem cell treatment is carried out only within approved clinical research and licensed indications for each condition.
