Ankylosing spondylitis, chronic fatigue and depression improved after stromal vascular fraction treatment for osteoarthritis: a case report

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is a prevalent chronic disease that impacts quality of life and imposes a heavy economic burden. Despite this there is no confirmed treatment that could prevent progressive destruction of osteoarthritic joints. Mesenchymal stem cells with their regenerative and immunosuppressive properties have emerged as a potential therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: This case study describes the impact of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction treatment on a 27-year-old Australian woman with osteoarthritis and multiple comorbidities of ankylosing spondylitis, chronic pain syndrome, and post-traumatic stress disorder as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Following standardized stromal vascular fraction treatment protocols for osteoarthritis of her hips and knee, the functional status of her hips was measured by Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score at 3 months, 6 months, and 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our patient showed dramatic improvements to her quality of life and symptoms of osteoarthritis were reduced. Interestingly, along with improvements in her knee and hips her other comorbidities such as ankylosing spondylitis, depression, anxiety, and fatigue exhibited marked improvement. She ceased the use of a wheelchair and walking support and, with increased mobility, had gained independence. These findings are suggestive of the therapeutic effects of stromal vascular fraction.