Use of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt combined with autologous bone marrow cell infusion in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis: an exploratory study.

Background Aims: Currently, there is no treatment for decompensated liver cirrhosis except for liver transplantation. The safety and effect on liver function of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) with and without autologous bone marrow cell (BMC) infusion in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis were determined.

Methods: Ten patients who were diagnosed with decompensated liver cirrhosis during the period from September 2011 to July 2012 were enrolled in this study.