ONH-SOD

Restoring optic nerve function using stem cells

Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) occurs from the underdevelopment of the optic nerve, which carries neuronal transmission from the retina in the eye to the brain. Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) – also known as de Morsier syndrome – is a subtype of ONH and results from underdevelopment of the optic nerve, pituitary gland dysfunction, and absence of the septum pellucidum, which is a midline area of the brain. SOD arises from defects during the embryological development of infants and studies show that ONH maybe be related to gene defects as well as embryo exposure to infections.

In addition to the lack of vision which a characteristic symptom of ONH, SOD also triggers other symptoms such as pituitary deficiency, autistic behaviors, epileptic seizures and more.

Few conventional treatment options are available for patients diagnosed with ONH-SOD, which mostly focus on helping the patients to cope with their disability. However, none of them are actually treating the loss of optic nerve function. Stem cells have the ability to regenerate nerve cells in the optic nerve, allowing ONH-SOD patients to gain some vision.

Why our stem cell treatment is effective for ONH/SOD

Since 2007, we have been developing comprehensive stem cell treatment protocols for Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) and Septo-Optic Dysplasia (SOD) to overcome the limitations of conventional therapies. In our protocols, stem cells are combined with specialized therapies for ONH-SOD that not only focus on helping the patient to cope with their symptoms, but also treat the root cause of the condition by promoting the healing of the optic nerve and other affected brain structures. We believe that our comprehensive treatment approach for ONH-SOD gives our patients the best chances for vision improvement, allowing for a better quality of life.

When she was 3 years old Katelyn traveled to Thailand with her parents in order to get stem cell treatment for her SOD. After her first treatment she started to see light and recognize colors. This video was recorded during her second stem cell treatment in Thailand as her parents hope for even more improvements.

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Possible improvements after Stem Cell Therapy for ONH/SOD

The purpose of our stem cell treatment for optic nerve hypoblasia/septo optic dysplasia is to restore neurological function in the brain area and in the optical nerve. Various kinds of improvement are possible after our comprehensive treatment. Past patients have experienced the following improvements*:

Our Treatment Program in Details

Our stem cell treatment for optic nerve hypoplasia ONH-SOD consist in 6 to 8 simple and minimally invasive injections of umbilical cord derived stem cells. The stem cells are transplanted using two or three different methods: intravenous via a standard IV drip, through intrathecal injection. Patients older than 10 years old may also receive two retrobulbar injections to better target the optic nerves.* Together, these 3 injection methods allow for increased efficacy while ensuring safety and minimum inconvenience for the patient.

*Not all patients can receive a retrobulbar injection. The acting doctor will decide If it is possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What is optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) and septo-optic dysplasia (SOD)?

A.

Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) occurs from the underdevelopment of the optic nerve, which carries neuronal transmission from the retina in the eye to the brain. It is the leading cause of congenital blindness and occurs in approximately 10 in every 100,000 live births. The condition was first described in 1915.
Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) – also known as de Morsier syndrome – is a subtype of ONH and results from underdevelopment of the optic nerve, pituitary gland dysfunction, and absence of the septum pellucidum, which is a midline area of the brain. SOD arises from defects during the embryological development of infants.

Q.What causes ONH and SOD?

A.

There are numerous causes of ONH, with most cases arising from genetic abnormalities in patients. Mutations in a variety of genes, including the following, result in hypoplasia of the optic nerve: NR2F1, OTX2, VAX1, ATOH7.
In addition to genetic factors, other causative factors have been suggested, including exposure to various infections during pregnancy and endocrinological abnormalities during development. With respect to SOD, as previously eluded to earlier, the condition arises from abnormalities during embryological development. The exact cause of SOD is poorly understood; although it is likely genetic factors play an important role, with various patients exhibiting mutations in the genes HESX1, OTX2, and PAX6. In addition, exposure to certain medications is thought to play an important role in the development of SOD.

Q.How are ONH and SOD diagnosed?

A.

Diagnosis of ONH requires confirmation with ophthalmoscopic examination of the optic optic disc. In young children, the optimal method for diagnosing ONH is with direct ophthalmoscopy, and patients exhibit a small optic disc. SOD is differentiated by the use of MRI scans showing midline brain abnormalities such as corpus callosum hypoplasia or pituitary abnormalities.