-
Overview
Blood collected from a baby's umbilical just minutes after birth helps to treat a variety of blood-related diseases. In June 2008, the 20th anniversary of the first cord-blood transfusion was celebrated at the International Cord Blood Transplantation Symposium, held in Los Angeles.
History
In 1988, a 5-year-old boy, suffering from Fanconi's Anemia, had no idea that his story would forever change the way many hematological illnesses were treated. He was under the care of Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg, M.D., who was quickly running out of options. The only cure was a transplant, but no suitable donor matches were found. Upon the birth of his little sister, the umbilical cord blood was collected and tested. It was a perfect match.
Background
The transplant took place in Paris. At the time, Dr. Eliane Gluckman, M.D., from the Hospital St. Louis was having great success treating Fanconi's Anemia. The pretreatment regime included chemotherapy to kill off the boy's existing immune system. After 18 days, the patient's body began to accept the transplant and he made a complete recovery. Now, more than 20 years later, he is married and has children.
Collection
The collection of cord blood is a simple and pain-free procedure. Once a baby is delivered, doctors clamp the umbilical cord. The blood is removed using a hypodermic needle and syringe. The blood is frozen and stored in a cord-blood bank for future use. When a cord blood transfusion is needed, the process is similar to a normal blood transfusion.
Limitations
While there are many advantages to cord blood transplants, the procedure is not without limitations. Even though there have been a handful of successful transplants in individuals weighing in excess of 150 pounds, most procedures have taken place on patients under 88 pounds. In addition, the time it takes for the transplanted cells to grow additional red and white blood cells and platelets can take twice as long as other transplant procedures.
Advantages
In addition to cord blood, bone marrow is another tool used to fight blood related disorders. However, unlike bone marrow transplants, cord blood, especially when the donor and recipient are related, has a very low incidence of rejection. Furthermore, it has a much lower risk of viral contamination and it poses virtually no risk to the donor and, unlike bone marrow, which can take weeks or months to find a match, cord blood is readily available.
