Stem cell therapy for patients with acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review of clinical trials

We have critically reviewed how methodological approaches-especially the definitions of endpoints and clinical outcome measures-have significantly influenced the reported efficacy and direction of the field. The interpretation of clinical trial results in cell therapy for AMI is heavily impacted by the specific metrics used to define success. A key focus is distinguishing between clinical trials on patients with acute and recent myocardial infarction (which is the main focus of this review) and those with chronic ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathies, as they involve different treatment strategies. Patient selection is essential for improving responses in patients with AMI. Those with a severely reduced LVEF (LVEF < 40%) and younger age tend to benefit more. Limiting the transplantation window to the first 3-7 days after AMI may improve the intervention's effectiveness.