Could stem cells be key to preventing cerebral palsy?

Researchers at the Monash Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne, Australia, have identified three types of stem cells in umbilical cord blood, which could be the key to preventing cerebral palsy.

The researchers have found that giving back the blood to newborns within 12 hours of birth could prevent the likelihood of birth asphyxia, which causes damage to the brain, leading to cerebral palsy.

As part of a trial to prevent the disorder, babies born in Melbourne will be given back their own umbilical blood.

During the Annual Congress of the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand, scientist Courtney McDonald revealed that researchers from the institute were currently researching the link between blood from the umbilical cord and repair to damaged brain tissue. She said “Cord blood works, but we want to know what’s the best cord blood to give back.

“These particular cells can actually stop the inflammation which causes damage. They can help the baby’s own brain repair itself, and help these blood vessels become stronger.”

Internationally, research centres around the world are also testing the success of stem cell therapies.

In South Korea, human clinical trials amongst children aged between six months and 10 years old, who received donated umbilical cord blood, alongside other rehabilitation therapies, showed that these children had improvements in motor skills and cognitive function.

Our team of Medical negligence lawyers have years of experience in high value and complex Medical negligence compensation claims and have an excellent record. The team is led by Tony May, a specialist cerebral palsy and birth injury solicitor, who has over 20 years experience in handling cases in which babies have been brain damaged or sustained other injuries as a result of Medical negligence. He and his team continue to represent many cerebral palsy children and young adults in Medical negligence claims. Tony also acts as the Court of Protection Deputy for many of the cerebral palsy and brain damaged clients that he has represented, so we can continue to support you after your case is settled. Tony can be contacted by email on tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk. Alternatively, please call and speak to any of Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist Medical negligence Legal Aid and no win-no fee solicitors for free legal advice on the freephone number below.

Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP, Medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone: 0800 028 2969