Combined hypothermia and mesenchymal stem cells in animal models of neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy: a systematic review.

Very few articles investigating the use of MSCs for the treatment of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy are clinically relevant. Continuing to publish studies in models of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy without the inclusion of HTH therapy does not progress the field towards improved clinical outcomes. This study shows that HTH and MSC therapy improves measures of astrogliosis. More studies are required to establish the efficacy of HTH and MSCs on measures of neuropathology and neurobehavior. The reporting of preclinical data in this space could be improved by using reporting checklists such as the SYRCLE or ARRIVE tools.