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 diseases such as thalassemia, leukemia, immune deficiency and anemia.
Today umbilical cord blood is well known for its ability to cure certain diseases. But this was not so a few years ago. It was only in the 1970s that researchers discovered that the placenta of the pregnant mother is a rich source of stem cells. Before this stem cells from the bone marrow were used to treat such diseases.
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 immune system in this disease. This treatment is also useful in thallasemia, 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.
Here Are The Advantages of Cord Blood Stem Cell Usage
Cord blood can be easily collected from the placenta at childbirth where as stem cells from the bone marrow requires surgery.
Cord blood can be stored for future use in a cord blood bank, for as long as ten years. 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 a healthier future of you and your family. For more information visit pregnancy period.
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