Outcome of Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy in the Management of Lower Limb Chronic Wounds

Background: Chronic wounds have become a major and challenging health problem, particularly for elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. It hampers their daily activities and quality of life. Among different treatment modalities, autologous bone marrow stem cell therapy (BMSC) emerging as a promising therapy for expediting the healing process. Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate the outcome of autologous bone marrow stem cell therapy in the management of lower limb chronic wounds. Methodology: Prospective single arm longitudinal interventional study was conducted at National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2022 to June 2023. Forty (40) patients with chronic wounds in lower limb of various etiology were included. Bone marrow was collected from posterior superior iliac spine and processed by an advanced automated centrifuge system for separating bone marrow aspirate concentrate. Bone marrow stem cell was given every 2 weeks interval, upto 3 cycles. Wound dimension was measured and followed up to observe the outcome and complication. All data were analyzed and compared by statistical test. Results: The mean±SD age of the study participants was 49.2±12.5 years, with a male predominance. The maximum proportion of chronic wound was present at sole. The most common wounds were diabetic foot ulcers (65.0%), arterial insufficiency ulcers (25.0%), venous ulcers (7.5%), and pressure ulcers (2.5%). The initial mean wound area was 9.98±7.47cm2. Mean wound area was reduced to 2.12±3.52 cm2 at the end of the 4th week. Overall healing ratio was higher in diabetic foot ulcer among four common etiologies. There were no complications observed on the donor site. Conclusion: Application of autologous bone marrow stem cell is an effective treatment modality in the management of chronic wounds. Bone marrow stem cell therapy enhances the healing rate, reduces the wound size and shortens the healing time in between 4th to 6th weeks. Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, January 2026;12(1):64-71