10 patients with acute severe contusion spinal cord injury (ASIA A/B) included into the group. Patients meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria underwent primary surgical treatment (decompression and stabilization) received hUCBMC infusions weekly (4 infusions overall) in addition to standard therapy during in-hospital treatment. After the discharge patients were examined for 4 times. Observation period was 1 year.

10 patients with acute severe contusion spinal cord injury (ASIA A/B) included into the group. Patients meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria underwent primary surgical treatment (decompression and stabilization) received standard therapy during in-hospital treatment. After the discharge patients were examined for 4 times. Observation period was 1 year.

HUCBMCs samples were prepared for infusion in the specialized laboratory of Cord Blood Bank (CryoCenter Ltd) and transported to the clinic immediately within 2 hours in the Dry Shipper. All samples were chosen according to patients blood group and rhesus-factor.

All samples were examined for hemotransmissive infections and cell viability prior to the preparation.

Obtained samples were infused through the blood transfusion systems with additional filter after 3 tests for biological and individual compatibility and tolerance.

Each patient of the pilot group received 4 cell infusions (1 infusion per week) with 1 week interval during the in-hospital treatment.

All potential adverse events were analyzed during the first year after SCI. All adverse events (AEs) were classified using CTCAE v5.0 classification system in each of 10 patients of pilot group.

Severity of AEs: Grade 1 - mild; asymptomatic or mild symptoms, clinical or diagnostic observations only, intervention not indicated; Grade 2 - moderate; minimal, local or noninvasive intervention indicated; limiting age-appropriate instrumental ADL; Grade 3 - severe or medically significant but not immediately life-threatening, hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization indicated, disabling, limiting self care ADL; Grade 4 - life-threatening consequences; urgent intervention indicated; Grade 5 - death related to AE.

Relationship to the investigated therapy method: Degree 1 - unrelated; Degree 2 - possibly related; Degree 3 - probably related; Degree 4 - definitely related.

Dynamics of neurological deficit level within 1 year after SCI was analyzed using ASIA clinical scale: ASIA A - total motor and sensory impairment; ASIA B - total motor impairment and partial sensory impairment below SCI level or pelvic sensitivity preserved; ASIA C - incomplete motor (at least half of key muscle strength less than 3 points) and sensory impairment; ASIA D - incomplete motor (at least half of key muscle strength more than 3 points) and sensory impairment; ASIA E - normal. Neurological deficit level was compared between pilot and control groups.

Quality of life level was assessed within 1 year after SCI using FIM (functional impairment) scale. FIM scale evaluates 5 groups of parameters including motor functions and self-service, mobility, motion level, pelvic functions and intellectual functions (e.g. communication and social activity). Each group includes several parameters assessed using point system (maximum 7 points for each parameter). A total sum of points is counted and compared between pilot and control groups.

A dynamics of motor deficit was assessed using standard scale of key muscle strength. Two groups of parameters were considered including upper extremities strength (UEMS) and lower extremities strength (LEMS). Since patients with different SCI levels were included into the study (both cervical and thoracic/lumbar cone) LEMS parameter is more significant.

Upper key muscles: C5 - biceps, С6 - wrist extensors, C7 - triceps, C8 - fingers flexors, Th1 - V finger abductor. Lower key muscles: L2 - m. psoas, L3 - quadriceps, L4 - m. tibialis anterior, L5 - I toe extensor, S1 - gastrocnemius.

Both LEMS and cumulative (UEMS + LEMS) parameters were compared.