Umbilical Cord Stem Cells May Reduce Cerebral Palsy Symptoms

By Jim Greene

Published on February 04, 2010

Doctors at Duke University Medical Center hope to reduce some of the symptoms of cerebral palsy (CP) in children by injecting them with stem cells from the blood of their own umbilical cords. The doctors caution that it will be at least a year before tests show clear results.

While there is no known cure for CP, which is caused by problems with brain development, researchers think the umbilical cord blood stem cells may help reduce muscle tightness, improve mobility, and help patients with their speech.

CP causes issues with muscle control, pain, vision, hearing, communicating, and learning.

Study Inspired by Previous Experiment

The idea of applying blood stem cell therapy to CP patients came from similar experiments with children who have genetic brain diseases. In those tests, according to Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg, director of the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program at Duke, stem cells infused into the bloodstream traveled to the brain and repaired damage.

Kurtzberg said test results with CP patients cannot be properly evaluated for at least a year because of unknown factors, such as how many cells to use, if there may be a better way to deliver them than through the blood, and whether or not the age of the patient affects the outcome. Most cases of CP are caused by premature birth, prenatal infections of mother or fetus, or placental malfunction that causes a lack of oxygen in the womb.

CP Can Be Caused During Birth Process

Other cases are due to complications or accidents during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation that can occur when the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby's neck or the baby spends too much time in the birth canal. Trauma to the head can also be a cause.

If your child developed cerebral palsy due to improper medical care, contact an experienced medical malpractice/personal injury attorney. The cost of caring for a CP victim can devastate a family's finances. Your attorney will fight for your right to financial compensation.

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