The effectiveness of various cytotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of ischemic stroke: a Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background Cytotherapy is a potential treatment for ischemic stroke (IS) patients but lacks uniform procedures. We aimed to assess the impact of the time of intervention, cell type, dose, and route of administration on the clinical effects by network meta-analysis. Methods We searched public electronic databases through July 7, 2019. Bayesian network meta-analyses were performed to compare differences among different cytotherapeutic strategies. Results Cytotherapy can significantly improve patients’ activity of daily living according to the modified Rankin Scale (standard mean difference (SMD) − 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) − 1.58, − 0.03; p = 0.0417) and Barthel Index (SMD 0.67; 95% CI 0.05, 1.30; p = 0.036) results as well as improve neurological recovery (SMD − 0.93; 95% CI − 1.29, − 0.57; p