Human Umbilical Cord Blood Infusions in the Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Objective: To provide an overview of the role of umbilical cord blood (UCB) in managing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms in children aged 4–8 years. Data Sources: A systematic literature search was conducted using the terms (autism OR autism spectrum disorder AND umbilical cord blood infusion UCB OR umbilical cord blood). The review was limited to articles published in the English language from 1945 to September 2020. The database search included PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE. Study Selection: The initial search revealed 165 hits of potential relevance. Data Extraction: The articles were analyzed to obtain clinical information relevant to meeting the review objectives. Data Synthesis: After title, abstract, and full article review, 3 UCB studies were selected for analysis. Results: The systematic review showed mixed results. In the first study, improvements were seen in the socialization and communication domains and adaptive behavior with UCB infusion. The Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory composite T score and Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test (EOWPVT) score also improved. Symptomatic improvement was seen in half of the patients. The second study showed no improvement in the EOWPVT, Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test, Clinical Global Impressions scale, or Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS), second edition. The third study showed nonsignificant improvement in the VABS, third edition socialization scale scores; however, major improvement in the communication domain was seen for those with nonverbal IQ ≥ 70. No serious adverse events were reported in any of the studies. Conclusion: Few studies have evaluated the role of UCB infusion in addressing symptoms of ASD. Due to the limited number of studies, more research is warranted.