(2/12/99)

A Utah teenager with muscular distrophy is back home after doctors transplanted billions of muscle cells into his body.

The Curtis' left Salt Lake last month so their son could undergo an experimental transplant so controversial - he had to go to the other side of the world to get it.

Did it work? Science Specialist Ed Yeates has the continuing story of Mitchell Curtis.

It's still too early to tell and Mitch will still need a second transplant in nine months to a year. But this boy with one of the more severe forms of muscular dystrophy is determined to do everything he can to make it work.

The therapist who has worked with Mitch before says he's already noticed a firming up in specific locations where the muscle cells were transplanted. Mitch himself has also noticed some changes."Yes, I have noticed some differences. I've noticed some more muscle mass," he says.

Mitch's mother, Jacalyn Curtis, says, "They told us we wouldn't see a difference until two weeks to two months. But we've notice a difference already. His calves, his upper thighs and forearm are more fleshy to touch. It feels like muscle instead of skin on bones."

Mitch's legs and arms are still bone thin. But the American surgical team which did the transplants in South Korea still believe the controversial procedure could save the boy's life - perhaps even give him a chance to walk again.

From this point on, the regimen for Mitch won't be easy. It's swimming, stretching, massage, and range of motion exercises everyday. And it's painful. Mitch's father, Scott Curtis, says, "He kind of struggles with it a little bit. It's going to be an endeavor, and we'll just have to be up to the task."

"He actually had muscle cramps yesterday and the day before. He hasn't had those for over three years. But he's actually back to having muscle cramps which are real painful, but it's a real good sign."

In theory, the transplanted muscle cells produce dystrophin, creating new muscle mass in the legs and arms. Following one of the earlier transplants, M.D. patient David Plemmens rose from his wheelchair and took 75 steps.

That may or may not happen for Mitch since his muscular distrophy is much worse than Plemmens. But the South Jordan boy has nothing to lose - except the nightmare of trying to raise another $170,000 to pay for the second transplant in nine months.