Cord Blood Banking and Transplantation – Fetal, Maternal and Perinatal Issues

Publisher: Karger

E-ISSN: 1660-3818|26|2|10-16

ISSN: 1660-3796

Source: Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy, Vol.26, Iss.2, 2004-11, pp. : 10-16

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Abstract

Background: Umbilical cord blood is increasingly used as a source of hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation. While hematopoietic and immunologic properties of cord blood have been studied extensively, fetal, maternal and perinatal issues are yet to be explored. Material and Methods:We reviewed the currently available literature and our own studies concerning fetal and maternal issues in cord blood transplantation, including prenatal stem cell transplantation as well as the use of cord blood for autologous transfusion. Results:Prenatal and perinatal factors such as gestational age, fetal growth, or collection techniques have been shown to have a significant impact on the quantity and quality of cord blood. Ethical, legal and social questions begin to be defined. Prenatal stem cell transplantation has proven to be successful exclusively in immunodeficient fetuses. Early cord blood stem cells might prove useful as target cells for in utero gene transfer aiming to cure nonimmunodeficient genetic diseases such as severe hemoglobinopathies before birth. Autologous transfusion in preterm neonates possibly provides a further new technique wich makes use of the red blood cell compartment of cord blood. Conclusion:The emerging therapeutic use of cord blood for transplantation and transfusion implies new frontiers and challenges in fetomaternal medicine.