Effects of stem cells on non-ischemic cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Background aims To assess the impacts of stem cell therapy on clinical outcomes in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). The effect of stem cell therapy on prognosis is unclear and controversial. Methods The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with NICM on a composite outcome of all-cause mortality and heart transplantation, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) distance and serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, considering studies published before March 19, 2020. Results Twelve trials with 623 subjects met inclusion criteria. Compared with the control group, stem cell therapy improved LVEF (weighted mean difference [WMD], 4.08%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.93–6.23, P = 0.0002) and 6-MWT distance (WMD, 101.49 m, 95% CI, 45.62–157.35, P = 0.0004) and reduced BNP level (–294.94 pg/mL, 95% CI, –383.97 to –205.90, P Conclusions This meta-analysis demonstrates that stem cell therapy may improve survival, exercise capacity and cardiac ejection fraction in NICM, which suggests that stem cells are a promising option for NICM treatment.