Stem cell therapy for kidney diseases not safe yet, say section of nephrologists

A section of nephrologists today warned renal disease patients against stem cell therapy, as such treatments have not yet been established as safe and effective.

Many institutions in developed countries are still researching the use of stem cell treatments for kidney related diseases.

Patients should not be misguided, they said at a press conference marking World Kidney Day to be observed in the country tomorrow.

Bangladesh Renal Association, Kidney Foundation and Kidney Awareness Monitoring and Prevention Society (KAMPS) jointly organised the press conference at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).

"We want to clearly inform people that it is not a recognised medical procedure to treat kidney diseases. Patients can face major health risks from such treatments," said Renal Association President Prof Muhammad Rafiqul Alam.

"Patients should follow recognised and conventional medical procedures," he said.

The physician said around 40,000 people are suffering from chronic kidney problems. At one stage, the disease gets worse and the kidneys stop working completely. Then, there is no option left but to transplant kidneys or have dialysis -- both very expensive. For this reason, around 80 percent of patients die without treatment, he said.

Kidney Foundation Secretary General Prof M Muhibur Rahman, Professor and Chairman of Department of Nephrology at BSMMU Asia Khanam, Renal Association Vice President Prof Brig Gen (retd) Mamun Mostafi, and KAMPS President Prof MA Samad spoke at the programme.

The speakers stressed on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and controlling diabetes and high blood pressure to prevent kidney related diseases.