Blood from New Born Umbilical Cord?

I heard from a relative that blood from a new-born umbilical cord can be used to treat ITP. Has anyone heard about this? She said no further explanation.
Thanks!

The only time I've heard of using stem cells from an umbilical cord is for a stem cell transplant. Have a hard time believing someone would go through that for ITP.

I've not heard of it. If I do a search I can't find anything. Wasn't fair of your relative to tell you that and then not give you more information, like where she heard it.

My uncle recently had a stem cell transplant for leukemia, maybe that is what the relative was thinking of.
Erica

This person's son, who was the one that came across the information finally shared the web site with me. Yes! you are correct. It has to do with stem cell cord bank, to help diseases like leukemia and others, even diabetes. But no ITP. I find many people get ITP confused with other blood disorder, especially with leukemia.
Here's the website in case anyone is interested...
www.cordblood.com/cord_blood_banking_with_cbr/index.asp

Thanks!

You just don't know so you were right to ask.

I could swear I read something about ones own stem cells being injected [not a full transplant] - can't remember what for or how or where - how is that for giving good info :huh:

How is Gabe's count doing now?

Melinda wrote: I could swear I read something about ones own stem cells being injected [not a full transplant] - can't remember what for or how or where - how is that for giving good info :huh:

An autologous stem cell transplant uses one's own stem cells as the source of the transplant material. It too is used in leukemia/lymphoma cases.

At any rate, it's a very dangerous procedure. I wouldn't consider it for ITP unless the ITP could not be controlled in any other way.

patti wrote:

Melinda wrote: I could swear I read something about ones own stem cells being injected [not a full transplant] - can't remember what for or how or where - how is that for giving good info :huh:

An autologous stem cell transplant uses one's own stem cells as the source of the transplant material. It too is used in leukemia/lymphoma cases.

No, I'm not talking about a stem cell transplant with donor or ones own stem cells - it's an injection as I mentioned, not a full transplant. It was into a joint for arthritis or a shoulder.

My uncle had to get someone else's stem cells for his leukemia. It was the whole deal with killing off his own immune system etc. He is now battling rejection.
Erica

I wanted to discuss with my hema what he felt about transfussing the cord blood into me after I have the baby. Not like a stem cell transplant but the pregnancy has been good to me and my body and maybe whatever those antibodies are doing maybe a little extra wouldnt hurt. Just something Ive been pondering.

I was wondering about you the other day so it is good to see you! It would be interesting to know what your hematologist says so let us know.

Im still here just lurking mostly. 30 weeks so far. Im going in for another fetal growth tomorrow. I have yet to gain weight so the doctors want to check on the baby.

Keep us posted ok?!