Cord Blood Cells in Patients With Acute SCI

Inclusion Criteria: * Both males and females, 18 to 75 years old * Contusion spinal cord injury (SCI) at cervical, thoracic or upper lumbar (cone level) levels * admission by 7 days post-SCI * spinal cord contusion confirmed using MRI (T1- and T2-weighted images, STIR) * ASIA A/B neurological deficit * identical level of neurological deficit at admission and at the moment of patient inclusion * primary decompressive and stabilizing surgery performed within 5 days post-SCI and prior to the first cell sample infused * patient is ready to participate and fulfill the requirements of the study protocol * informed consent signed by the patient or his legal representative Exclusion Criteria: * motor function preserved in lower limbs at admission (LEMS \> 0 points) corresponding to ASIA C, D or E deficit level * any spinal cord injury different from contusion (tear, defibering, concussion, SCIWORA, SCIWONA) confirmed using MRI * severe combined trauma (ISS \> 35 points) * inability to perform primary decompressive and stabilizing surgery within 5 days post-SCI and prior to the first cell sample infused * persistent systolic arterial pressure (AP) \> 185 mmHg or diastolic AP \> 105 mmHg or need of aggressive AP lowering using systemic antihypertensive medication at the moment of patient inclusion * acute myocardial infarction * blood glucose level \< 3.5 Mmol/L or \>21 Mmol/L or ineffective antidiabetic therapy for 24 hours * acute or deterioration of chronic diseases of central ne…