When a couple is expecting a child, before the birth a complex decision is made and one that is increasingly publicized: what to do with umbilical cord blood. And there is a fairly deep debate here: clinics sell it as “biological insurance” for the future, while the scientific community prefers talk about altruism and collective utility.
Its biological importance. To understand this debate, you first have to know why The blood in an umbilical cord is so coveted. And it is actually very valuable, since it has blood cells that are essential for treat serious diseases such as leukemia or lymphoma. Situations in which a donor as similar as possible to the donor is required to renew their blood cells, and what better than one’s own blood to do so.
The cells in the cord can regenerate blood cells, including those of the immune system itself, giving a patient who does not have a donor a great chance of survival. Although sometimes a cord is not enough to renew the entire reserve of blood cells.
The reality of probabilities. As we say, the main argument of private banks is the immediate availability of stem cells for the child himself with an autotransplant. But the different European guides provide figures that invite reflection, such as that the possibility of using this blood for an autologous transplant is estimated. between 0.0005 and 0.000004%.
In this way, it is calculated that there is a probability of using this blood less than 0.04% over a 20-year horizon. And there are even situations in which when a child presents leukemia, the clinic advises against the use of the child’s own blood in his cord because you could have some genetic alteration that has led to leukemia at a young age.
Public banks. In the current paradigm, there are different banks where blood can be stored. On the one hand, we have the public option where any family can donate cord blood so that it is stored, but The use will be intended for anyone in the world that needs it and is compatible. That is, it will not be exclusive to the family that donated it, having to wait for a donation from this bank if they need it.
But this means that this blood has many possibilities of being used in someone around the planet to resolve a serious illness such as leukemia. This is something possible in Spain be integrated into the REDMO network which is used to register bone marrow donors. What is clear is that Spain is an international benchmark in this field. With tens of thousands of units stored on its public network, there have already been nearly 2,000 successful transplantsdemonstrating that the true utility today lies in the altruistic model.
The private bank. If you want exclusivity on umbilical cord blood, this is logically the most recommended option. But it must also be taken into account that the price that must be paid is quite high, since the maintenance of blood storage is not free, and requires periodic payments. Even science suggests that it is not the most advisable, except in very specific situations.
The drawback here is that you may never have to use this blood because you do not contract a disease that is not common, and also because there are situations where it is not possible to do so.
Regenerative medicine. Looking to the future It is not well known what can be done with these umbilical cord cells. Science is now exploring the possibility of treating type 1 diabetes with these cells by regenerating the function of the pancreas, or there are even studies focused on cerebral palsy. But nothing advanced.
And while there is potential on paper, medical societies like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)Warn to store cord blood for uncertain future use In regenerative medicine it is, today, a practice without consolidated scientific justification.
What should be done. The majority recommendation from health authorities is clear: public donation is the most solid option. By donating to the public bank, the unit enters an international registry where it can save the life of a child or adult anywhere in the world. Although logically the decision always lies with the parents who have the freedom to take the path they want.
However, even if you choose a private bank, you must keep in mind that it must have the necessary certifications so that when the blood is needed it is in optimal conditions to be processed.
Images | Eduardo Barrios
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings