Cord Blood Stem Cells For Curative Purposes

To know about cord blood and its importance to humankind, it is first imperative to know what stem cells are. Cord blood stem cells are different from other cells in the body. These cells are able to divide and replenish themselves, and because they can create new blood cells, they help in the repair of body tissues. These cord blood stem cells are used to treat immune deficiency and diseases such as thallesemia, leukemia and anemia.

Today umbilical cord blood is well known for its ability to cure certain diseases. But this was not the case a few years ago. It was only in 1970s that researchers discovered that the placenta of a pregnant mother is a rich source of stem cells. Before this, stem cells from bone marrow were used to treat immune deficiency and diseases like leukemia and anemia.

Diseases That Can Be Treated Using Stem Cells

There are many life threatening diseases that can be treated using cord blood stem cells. Among these is leukemia, a dreaded blood cancer. The stem cell transplants enable the production of new blood and the restoration of the body’s immune system in this disease. This treatment is also useful in thallesemia, sickle cell anemia, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Recent research has proved that heart disease, injuries of the spinal cord, neurological disorders and even diabetes can be treated with this method.

The Advantages of Cord Blood Stem Cell Usage

Cord blood can be easily collected from the placenta at child birth, whereas collection of stem cells from the bone marrow requires surgery.

Cord blood can be stored for future use for as long as ten years in a cord blood bank. It can be transplanted back into the same donor, a close relative or an unknown person too.

Cord blood has a greater capacity to renew stem cells as compared to bone marrow.

By now, you would have realized the importance of cord blood stem cells. They can save a life and cord blood storage is advisable for your you’re your family’s healthier future. For more information visit pregnancy period.