In addition to being an event full of emotion, the birth of a baby hides a biological treasure of incalculable value: the umbilical cord stem cells. These have the unique ability to divide and transform into crucial elements for the treatment of more than 85 blood diseases and promise a future full of new medical applications.
Likewise, there is more and more scientific evidence that supports the benefit in people with sports injuries, autism or cerebral palsy, among other conditions. Therefore, many specialists recommend this as a preventive health measure.
The therapeutic potential is not only limited to the newborn, but may also be compatible with their family members. “Regenerative medicine today and in the future offers enormous potential in the treatment of various diseases,” says Dr. Pablo Agustín Bibiloni (MN 116.292), pediatrician, neonatologist and member of the Breastfeeding Committee of the Gutiérrez Hospital of La Plata.
Another element that the professional highlights is that This practice does not interfere with the natural birth process.. In fact, immediate clamping of the umbilical cord is not necessary, but it is possible to obtain and store cells from the placenta.
The figures support optimism about the present and future of regenerative medicine. According to data from the CBR, one of the largest stem cell banks in the world, More than 40,000 transplants have been performed with umbilical cord blood and more than 80% of the samples are used in regenerative therapies.
Likewise, due to ongoing research and new treatment opportunities, it is estimated that in the next ten years its use will increase 20 times: the statistic will go from one patient in 2,500 to one in 70.
It should be noted that it is a great tool to apply in the field of sports medicine. “Mesenchymal stem cells derived from the umbilical cord continue to gain popularity for use in the clinical setting due to their ability to stimulate tissue healing and modulate inflammatory processes,” indicates Dr. Luciano Rossi (MN 29391), traumatologist and specialist. in orthopedics Italian Hospital.
The benefits that this decision brings are palpable both in the present and in the future and that is why there are more and more followers among parents. One case is that of Dr. Romina Dini (MN 119.228), pediatrician of the British Hospital of Buenos Aireswho opted for this practice for his children.
“It was something that we had been talking about with our father and we began to investigate; know what can be used for treatment of more than 85 diseases He encouraged us to do it with the oldest. With the minor, we preserve the cells from the umbilical cord tissue in addition to those from the blood. As a mother and doctor, having that support gives me a lot of peace of mind,” she confesses.
The stories of families who have opted for this practice are testimony to its positive impact, as Mirna, a woman from Corrientes, reveals about the case of her son Juan Antonio, who was born with cerebral palsy: “His life improved a lot: the number of words increased and proved to be fully cognitively connected; Thanks to the demonstration of his evolution and changes, he was able to start first grade in an inclusive and integrative school and he is doing very well.”
The results of this practice are not only highlighted by teachers and specialists. Influencers like Alma Giuliano have saved the stem cells from her cord for more than 17 years and convey how this decision accompanies her throughout her life: she uses her platform to raise awareness among her followers about this crucial issue.
