Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41180225›Full record

ArticleWorld journal of stem cells2025

Long-term follow-up of autologous nasal epithelial stem cell transplantation for congenital olfactory disorders in children.

Xia Ni, Jie Shi, Jian Ning, Xiao-Ling Tian

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in World journal of stem cells, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Xia NiDepartment of Otolaryngology, Shanxi Children's Hospital, Shanxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Taiyuan 030000, Shanxi Province, China.
Jie ShiDepartment of Otolaryngology, Jiading Branch of Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201803, China.
Jian NingDepartment of Otolaryngology, Zhejiang Greentown Cardiovascular Hospital, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang Province, China.
Xiao-Ling TianDepartment of Otolaryngology, Hangzhou Linping District Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Hangzhou 311100, Zhejiang Province, China. xiang19257489868@163.com.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundCongenital olfactory disorders (CODs) are rare but impactful conditions that impair the sense of smell from birth. These disorders can significantly affect a child's appetite, nutrition, safety awareness, and overall quality of life. Despite their clinical importance, treatment options for CODs remain limited and largely ineffective, with no established therapies capable of restoring olfactory function in pediatric patients. Recent advances in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy offer promising avenues for addressing sensory deficits. Nasal epithelial stem cells have emerged as a viable candidate for therapeutic intervention due to their accessibility and intrinsic ability to differentiate into olfactory sensory neurons. Preliminary studies suggest their potential in promoting the regeneration of the olfactory epithelium and functional recovery. However, long-term data on the efficacy and safety of such approaches in children are lacking.

aimTo evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of autologous nasal epithelial stem cell transplantation for the treatment of CODs in children.

methodsThis prospective, single-center study enrolled 50 children aged 3-15 years with CODs. All patients underwent autologous nasal epithelial stem cell transplantation and were followed up for 3 years. The primary outcome measure was change in olfactory function, assessed using the Sniffin' Sticks test and the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test - Children's Version. Secondary outcomes included quality of life (measured by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ and a custom olfaction-specific questionnaire), safety, endoscopic evaluation, and electro-olfactogram measurements. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance, Friedman's test, and multiple regression analysis.

resultsThe mean composite olfactory score increased from 8.3 ± 4.7 at baseline to 52.6 ± 18.9 at the 3-year follow-up (

conclusionAutologous nasal epithelial stem cell transplantation demonstrates significant and sustained improvements in olfactory function and quality of life in children with CODs, with a favorable safety profile over a 3-year follow-up period. This approach represents a promising advancement in the treatment of pediatric sensory disorders.

Indexed as

Congenital anosmiaOlfactory dysfunctionPediatric otolaryngologyRegenerative medicineStem cell therapy

Identifiers

PMID41180225
PMCPMC12576711

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.