Monday 14 July 2014

Top Reasons Expecting Parents Choose Umbilical Cord Blood Preservation

Evolving stem cell therapies have brought new hope to patients and their families. By preserving the cells in a stem cell umbilical cord bank, families can get immediate access to a related source of stem cells.

Parents with a family history of diseases must opt for their child’s umbilical cord blood preservation. If stored in the right manner, newborn stem cells don’t expire. However, stored cord blood has certain potential limitation. If the baby has a genetic condition, the stored cells will also have that condition. This often rule out their use for the baby. But in case an immediate family member is suffering from a disease requiring a bone marrow transplant, the newborn’s cord blood can be the best option for treatment.

Umbilical cord blood can be used without a full matching because it is more tolerant of a new host. Due to this characteristic, it provides increased access to transplantation for patients who find it difficult to find a matching donor.

Compared to bone marrow, strict matching is not required in cord blood transplantation. More than 4000 cord blood transplants are being performed around the world on an annual basis. This has also encouraged a large number of expecting parents to preserve their baby’s cord blood.

Future of Stem Cell Medicine:

New uses of cord blood are being explored around the globe. Studies are being conducted using the cells for several regenerative therapies. By storing their baby’s cord blood for future use, expecting parents are ensuring their participation in these studies.

Parents can even donate their baby’s cord blood for public use. They can either contact the hospital at which they plan to deliver or get in touch with a public cord blood bank that offers a free kit program at other hospitals.

The Global Stem Cell Market is Expanding:

As per a study by the Grand View Research, by 2020, the global stem cell market is expected to reach USD 170.15 billion. Market growth is mainly being driven by the growing prevalence of chronic disease like diabetes, liver and cardiovascular diseases.

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