Shah R, et al. - Researchers tested the hypothesis that stem cell therapy improves clinical outcomes in patients with chronic angina, via an updated comprehensive meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with the largest sample size ever. Improved symptoms, exercise capacity, and left ventricular ejection fraction was achieved with stem cell therapy in patients with chronic angina on optimal medical therapy.

Methods

• RCTs were identified via a search of scientific databases and websites.
• Two investigators independently gathered data, and disagreements were resolved by consensus.

Results

• Overall, the analysis included 10 trials with 658 patients.
• Relative to placebo, stem cell therapy improved Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class (risk ratio: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.09 to 2.15, P=0.013), exercise capacity (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.88, P=0.001), and left ventricular ejection fraction (SMD: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.27 to 1.00, P=0.001).
• Decreased anginal episodes (SMD: –1.21, 95% CI: –2.40 to -0.02, P=0.045) and myocardial perfusion defects (SMD: –0.70, 95% CI: –1.11 to -0.29, P=0.001) also resulted from stem cell therapy.
• A relatively short follow-up revealed no improvements in all-cause mortality.