At the beginning of the 1980s, scientists realized that the cord blood of newborn babies contains Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSC) similar to those found in the bone marrow and it was understood that umbilical cord blood is a rich source, and it has been used for therapeutic purposes since 1988.
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What is Cord Blood?
The placenta is an organ that separates the two circulatory systems of the mother and the fetus, and ensures the exchange of nutrients and oxygen between the baby and the mother. The placenta completes its task immediately after birth and is expelled from the uterus. Cord blood, on the other hand, is the blood containing stem cells that remain in the umbilical cord after the baby is born and are involved in blood production. Birth is the only chance for cord blood to be collected and stored.
Since 1988, when a child with Fanconi Aplastic Anemia was first treated with stem cells from cord blood, more than 6,000 patients have been treated with donated (allogeneic) cord blood. Very successful results have been obtained in transplants. Cord blood transplants have a lower risk of transmission of viral infections such as cytomegalovirus, which can be fatal, than in bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplants.
However, 6/6 tissue compatibility, which should be sought in bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplants, can be reduced to 4/6 or even 3/6 in cord blood transplants. Unlike bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells, cord blood stem cells are younger and healthier cells that have never encountered factors such as radiation, aging, chemicals and infections. The reason why it has become a surgical procedure is that it does not require surgical intervention, does not pose a risk to the mother or the baby during birth, and can be obtained quickly.
How to Take Cord Blood?
As soon as the birth takes place, the umbilical cord is thoroughly cleaned with alcohol and is cut. Cord blood is collected from the part of the umbilical cord that is close to the placenta, into a blood bag that prevents coagulation with the help of a sterile and special system provided by our Center. The collected cord blood should be transferred to our Center within 48 hours.
Cord blood collection is performed by the obstetrician. It does not affect the birth procedure, mother and baby in any way.
For Which Diseases Is Cord Blood Used?
- Childhood leukemia and lymphomas
- Bone Marrow Diseases: Aplastic anemia, Fanconi anemia
- Hereditary Blood Diseases: Thalessemia (Mediterranean anemia), Sickle cell anemia, Amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia
- Cancer Diseases: Neuroblastoma, Non-Hodgkin's disease, ALL, AML, CLL, Retinoblastoma
- Congenital Metabolic Irregularities
Does Type of Delivery Affect Cord Blood Collection?
Both normal collection process can be applied in both births and cesarean deliveries.
What is Autologous Cord Blood Banking?
It is a type of cord blood banking where the family keeps their cord blood only for themselves. There is no harm in the purchase process for the mother and the baby.
What is Allogeneic Cord Blood Banking?
It is a type of cord blood banking where the family gives up all their rights regarding cord blood and transfers these rights to the Center. In this banking, cord blood tissue groups are studied and the results are forwarded to the departments of the TR Ministry of Health regarding Organ and Tissue Transplantation, provided that the identity information of the family and the child is kept confidential. This cord blood is used for patients in need. Receiver and donor information remains confidential in bank records.
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