| Stem cell transplant is the new buzzword in medical | | | | cell has also been promising in case of a rare genetic |
| technology. More and more parents are investing in | | | | disorder called Krabbe disease. |
| cord blood stem cell banking as means of securing | | | | 3. Lymphoproliferative diseases - Cord blood stem |
| their kid's future. But do you really need to bank your | | | | cells have been widely acclaimed to be highly |
| kid's stem cells? Read on, while we tell you whether | | | | effective in treating such diseases. |
| it is a good idea or not! | | | | - If you are part of a specific community, then yes. |
| The main reason why people go for stem cell | | | | Research shows that it is difficult to find cell matches |
| transplants is because these cells are capable of | | | | for African Americans, Native Americans or Hispanics. |
| growing into other types of cell or tissues. This opens | | | | If you need a stem cell match for treatment, you |
| up a whole new world of treatments for diseases | | | | stand more of a chance with your own cells or that |
| like Alzheimer's, diabetes and Parkinson's, apart from | | | | of a close relative's. The best part of stem cell |
| debilitating blood diseases. So, should you invest in it? | | | | transplant? You don't even need an exact biological |
| - Yes, if your family has a history of genetic disease | | | | match. |
| that can be cured. Though your child will benefit the | | | | - Stem cell transplant is also a good idea if you are |
| most from it, should he need it, you as a parent can | | | | adopting a baby at birth or do not know a lot about |
| also benefit from it. Research shows that a patient | | | | the genetic background of the baby. Since you will |
| has more chances of success by transplants of stem | | | | not be able to provide genetic support for such a kid, |
| cells than he does with a bone marrow. You should | | | | it is better to secure her future by banking the cells. |
| consider this more seriously under the following | | | | - Treatmentsare also no longer confined to your |
| conditions: | | | | dream. Cell banking facilities across the world have |
| 1. Susceptibility to leukemia- umbilical cord blood cells | | | | made it possible for you to preserve these precious |
| have been used to treat childhood leukemia for a | | | | cells, with the minimum of discomfort and expense. |
| time now. Fortunately, the treatment of leukemia, | | | | - Treatment may begin anytime. You do not have to |
| even in adults, has drastically improved with stem cell | | | | look for matching donors. Also, you are less |
| therapy. Stem cell have been revolutionary in the | | | | susceptible to viral infections. |
| treatment of conditions like thalassemia and | | | | With the onslaught of new disease every few days, |
| Parkinson's disease. | | | | stem cell banking can be the best gift you provide |
| 2. Spinal injuries-Stem cell have also had miraculous | | | | your child- the gift of life! |
| results in treating spinal cord injuries. Umbilical stem | | | | |