A research team at the Florida Hospital for Children in the United States is hoping to use cord blood stem cells for perinatal stroke treatment. Led by pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. James Baumgartner, the team is looking for ways to reduce the damage done to babies during this type of stroke.

Perinatal stroke affects between 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 3,000 babies in the United States. Similar to stroke in adults, it occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted and it potentially causes damage to the brain. Babies who experience this type of stroke often develop cerebral palsy and have problems with cognition, walking and bladder function.

Dr. James Baumgartner says of the research: “What I’m curious about is can the nervous system be repaired or repair itself with cellular therapy.” One of the difficulties that the research project faces is finding out which forms of perinatal stroke respond to the treatment. Strokes can be caused by a number of factors, so ascertaining how well stem cells are dealing with each type of stroke will be a difficult undertaking. 

Researchers are first attempting to understand if the cord blood transfusions are safe for young babies. Then they will look for improvements for cognitive ability, bladder function and number of seizures experienced.

Scientists have only just learned that nerve cells can be rebuilt with stem cells and brain function can be restored. Dr. Baumgartner has already used bone marrow stem cells to reduce the intensity of brain trauma injury in children. Another study by Dr. Baumgartner used cord blood stem cells to repair the hearing of young children.

This research may lead to a treatment using cord blood stem cells for perinatal stroke recovery within the next few years.

Source: New Study Using Cord Blood Stem Cells for Perinatal Stroke

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