Abstract 4373497: Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential of Cord-Derived Stem Cells in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: A Comparative Analysis

Background: Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) is a severe congenital heart defect, representing approximately 2–4% of all congenital heart diseases and accounting for 23% of neonatal cardiac deaths. Umbilical cord-derived hematopoietic stem cell (HSCs) therapy has emerged as a promising therapy. The therapy has the potential for cardiac regeneration via differentiation, paracrine signaling, and immunomodulation. Compared to bone marrow or embryonic sources, umbilical cord cells are ethically obtained, non-invasively collected, and exhibit low immunogenicity. Hypothesis: Early administration of umbilical cord-derived HSCs in HLHS may enhance myocardial recovery, reduce postoperative complications, and support long-term cardiac function. Methodology: This study aims to evaluate clinical trials involving post-operative intramyocardial delivery of autologous umbilical cord-derived HSCs in HLHS patients. Effectiveness has been analyzed using the right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) measures. Results: The studies have shown that HLHS infants receiving HSCs therapy have shown a significant improvement in RVEF up to 7.1% in 18 months. At 36 months, the RVEF was reported to be improved by 8.0%. The therapy was well-tolerated with no major adverse events. Conclusion: Umbilical cord-derived HSCs therapy is a promising therapy in infants with its regenerative and cardioprotective potentials. Long-term safety profile and the personalized treatment protocol need large-scale randomized clinical trials.