UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD STEM CELLS

Following delivery, umbilical cord blood stem cells are taken out from the placenta blood and cord. Only after birth may they be collected and kept for eventual use in medicinal applications. The collection does not affect the delivery and is entirely safe for both baby and mother.

Cord blood stem cells are being utilized in experimental therapies for cerebral palsy and diabetes and are used to cure up to 80 medical conditions. These cells can replenish themselves and specialize in the restoration or replacement of damaged or dysfunctional cells.

Where Do These Stem Cells Derive?

Since they are distinctive to particular tissues, stem cells are similar to adult stem cells. Following birth, acquired stem cells are commonly available and affordable, and they can generate a variety of cell types. Scientists have also taken stem cells from the following sources:

  • Placenta or amnion
  • Various fetal tissues
  • Fetus
  • Umbilical cord matrix cells
  • Umbilical cord vein

What Is the Procedure For Obtaining It?

After the delivery, the physician ties the umbilical cord in two positions, about ten inches apart, and trims the cord, dividing baby and mother, if you would like the blood saved. Then they inject a needle into the cord and gather at least 40 ml of blood. The blood is collected in a bag and transported to a laboratory or cord blood collection for analysis and storage. The operation is quick and painless, taking only a few minutes to complete.

What Are the Functions of Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells?

Only “hematopoietic stem cell transplantation” techniques can be employed with cord blood stem cells. These methods are used on people who have blood-forming system abnormalities. This procedure is done on individuals who require the regeneration or renewal of blood-forming cells.

The following are some examples of these conditions:

  • Lymphoma
  • Sickle cell 
  • Leukemia
  • Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

Potential Pros and Cons of Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells

Advantages

  • more closely resembles the recipient;
  • can treat a wide range of blood disorders;
  • fewer chances of being rejected;
  • Accessible supply,, and it’s safe for both baby and mother.

Disadvantages

  • one collection is insufficient to cure an adult;
  • no more cells can be taken from that source once it has been transplanted;
  • when compared to bone marrow transplants, umbilical cord blood stem cells take longer to graft;
  • no centralized mechanism for collecting and storing cord blood donations.

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