A Brief Review on Erythropoietin and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapies for Paediatric Neurological Disorders

Purpose of Review: Paediatric neurological disorders (PNDs) are neurological conditions in infants resulting from injury to the developing nervous system. The neurodevelopmental sequelae in infants with neurological disorders occur from injury to a substantial part of the nervous system. The type of PNDs is classified based on the manifestations, signs and symptoms, and the neurologic core affected by the injury. However, the current prevalence of PNDs underlines the need for optimized and new treatment options. Recent Findings: PNDs include, but are not limited to, neonatal stroke, cerebral palsy (CP), autism, paediatric status epilepticus (PSE) and spinal cord injury (SCI). Understanding the mechanisms underpinning neuronal necrosis in PNDs has led to the design and trial of potential therapies, including antioxidants, anticonvulsant drugs, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), hypothermia and erythropoietin (EPO). With those therapies and other treatment options for PNDs, a significant milestone in the care for children with PNDs has been achieved. Summary: This review highlights the need for future pre-clinical and clinical studies to investigate a combination therapy of EPO and MSCs for PNDs.