Autologous bone marrow-derived stem cells for treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of bone marrow-derived stem cell implants, introduced by minithoracotomy, in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Progressive improvement in heart function was observed over two months, with a slight decline over the following 10 months. The clinical situation showed a slight late worsening, but some degree of recovery was maintained and none of the patients returned to functional class III or IV during the twelve months of follow-up. Major responses to the therapy were seen in ejection fraction and end systolic volume.