Mankind's first natural stem cell transplant

Effect of different timings of umbilical cord clamping on the level of CD34+ cells in full-term neonates

Despite the fact that delayed cord clamping (DCC) is recommended by many international organizations, early cord clamping is still widely practiced worldwide. The overarching goal of the DCC practice is to maximize neonatal benefits as achieving higher hemoglobin levels and decreasing the incidence of anemia as well as avoiding the adverse consequences. The current study was conducted to identify the effect of of DCC on the number of CD34+ stem cells in cord blood of full term neonates after two different timings (30 and 60 s after birth). One hundred and three full-term (FT) newborn babies (gestational age 37-40 weeks) delivered by elective cesarean section were randomly assigned into 2 groups: Group 1: babies were subjected to DCC 30 s after birth (50 newborns). Group 2: babies were subjected to DCC 60 s after birth (53 newborns). Neonates in group 2 had significantly higher levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, total nucleated cells and CD34+ cells compared to those in group 1. The practice of DCC 60 s after birth achieved better CD34+ stem cells transfer in FT neonates than clamping the cord after 30 s.

Resuscitation of Term Compromised and Asphyctic Newborns: Better with Intact Umbilical Cord?

The authors hypothesize that particularly severely compromised and asphyctic term infants in need of resuscitation may benefit from delayed umbilical cord clamping (after several minutes). Although evidence is sparse, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms support this assumption. For this review the authors have analyzed the available research. Based on these data they conclude that it may be unfavorable to immediately clamp the cord of asphyctic newborns (e.g., after shoulder dystocia) although recommended in current guidelines to provide quick neonatological support. Compression of the umbilical cord or thorax obstructs venous flow to the fetus more than arterial flow to the placenta. The fetus is consequently cut off from a supply of oxygenated, venous blood. This may cause not only hypoxemia and consecutive hypoxia during delivery but possibly also hypovolemia. Immediate cord clamping may aggravate the situation of the already compromised newborn, particularly if the cord is cut before the lungs are ventilated. By contrast, delayed cord clamping leads to fetoplacental transfusion of oxygenated venous blood, which may buffer an existing acidosis. Furthermore, it may enhance blood volume by up to 20%, leading to higher levels of various blood components, such as red and white blood cells, thrombocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, immunoglobulins, and iron. In addition, the resulting increase in pulmonary perfusion may compensate for an existing hypoxemia or hypoxia. Early cord clamping before lung perfusion reduces the preload of the left ventricle and hinders the establishment of sufficient circulation. Animal models and clinical trials support this opinion. The authors raise the question whether it would be better to resuscitate compromised newborns with intact umbilical cords. Obstetric and neonatal teams need to work even closer together to improve neonatal outcomes.

Effects of Umbilical Cord Management Strategies on Stem Cell Transfusion, Delivery Room Adaptation, and Cerebral Oxygenation in Term and Late Preterm Infants

BACKGROUND

The umbilical cord blood contains a high concentration of stem cells. There is not any published study evaluating the amount of stem cells that have the potential to be transferred to the infant through placental transfusion methods as delayed cord clamping (DCC) and umbilical cord milking (UCM). The aim of this study is to measure the concentrations of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) and CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) in the placental residual blood volume (PRBV), and evaluate the delivery room adaptation and cerebral oxygenation of these infants.

METHODS

Infants with ≥36 gestational weeks were randomized to receive DCC (120 s), UCM, or immediate cord clamping (ICC). EPC and CD34+ HSC were measured by flow cytometry from the cord blood. PRBV was collected in the setup. The cord blood gas analysis and complete blood count were performed. The heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and cerebral regional oxygen saturation (crSO2) were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 103 infants were evaluated. The amount of PRBV (in ml and ml/kg) was higher in the ICC group (p < 0.001). The number of EPCs in the PRBV content (both ml and ml/kg) were the highest in the ICC group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). The number of CD34+ HSCs in PRBV content (ml and ml/kg) was similar in all groups, but nonsignificantly higher in the ICC group. The APGAR scores at the first and fifth min were lower in the ICC group (p < 0.05). The mean crSO2 values were higher at the 3rd and 10th min in the DCC group (p = 0.042 and p = 0.045, respectively). cFOE values were higher at the 3rd and 10th min in the ICC group (p = 0.011 and p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that placental transfusion methods, such as DCC and UCM, provide both higher blood volume, more stem cells transfer to the infant, and better cerebral oxygenation in the first minutes of life, whereas many lineages of stem cells is lost to the placenta by ICC with higher residual blood volume. These cord management methods rather than ICC do not require any cost or technology, and may be a preemptive therapeutic source for diseases of the neonatal period.

Placental transfusion: may the "force" be with the baby

Placental transfusion results in a significant decrease in the risk of death for extremely preterm infants. With immediate cord clamping (ICC), these infants can leave up to one-half of their normal circulating in utero blood volume in the placenta. Extremely preterm infants are at highest risk of harm from ICC yet are currently the most likely to receive ICC. Receiving a placenta transfusion provides infants with life-saving components and enhanced perfusion. We present some lesser-known but important effects of placental transfusion. New research reveals that enhanced vascular perfusion causes an organ's endothelial cells to release angiocrine responses to guide essential functions. High progesterone levels and pulmonary artery pressure in the first few hours of life assist with neonatal adaptation. We propose that lack of essential blood volume may be a major factor contributing to inflammation, morbidities, and mortality that preterm infants frequently encounter.

Early versus delayed umbilical cord clamping on maternal and neonatal outcomes

Purpose

Policies for timing of cord clamping varied from early cord clamping (ECC) in the first 30 s after birth, to delayed cord clamping (DCC) in more than 30 s after birth or when cord pulsation has ceased. DCC, an inexpensive method allowed physiological placental transfusion. The aim of this article is to review the benefits and the potential harms of early versus delayed cord clamping.

Methods

Narrative overview, synthesizing the findings of the literature retrieved from searches of computerized databases.

Results

Delayed cord clamping in term and preterm infants had shown higher hemoglobin levels and iron storage, the improved infants’ and children’s neurodevelopment, the lesser anemia, the higher blood pressure and the fewer transfusions, as well as the lower rates of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), chronic lung disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, and late-onset sepsis. DCC was seldom associated with lower Apgar scores, neonatal hypothermia of admission, respiratory distress, and severe jaundice. In addition, DCC was not associated with increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage and maternal blood transfusion whether in cesarean section or vaginal delivery. DCC appeared to have no effect on cord blood gas analysis. However, DCC for more than 60 s reduced drastically the chances of obtaining clinically useful cord blood units (CBUs).

Conclusion

Delayed cord clamping in term and preterm infants was a simple, safe, and effective delivery procedure, which should be recommended, but the optimal cord clamping time remained controversial.

Delayed cord clamping is associated with improved dynamic cerebral autoregulation and decreased incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants

Delayed cord clamping (DCC) improves neurologic outcomes in preterm infants through a reduction in intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) incidence. The mechanism behind this neuroprotective effect is not known. Infants born <28 wk gestation were recruited for longitudinal monitoring. All infants underwent 72 h of synchronized near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) recording within 24 h of birth. Infants with DCC were compared with control infants with immediate cord clamping (ICC), controlling for severity of illness [clinical risk index for babies (CRIB-II) score], chorioamnionitis, antenatal steroids, sedation, inotropes, and delivery mode. Autoregulatory dampening was calculated as the transfer function gain coefficient between the MABP and NIRS signals. Forty-five infants were included (DCC; n = 15, paired 2:1 with ICC controls n = 30). ICC and DCC groups were similar including gestational age (25.5 vs. 25.2 wk, P = 0.48), birth weight (852.3 vs. 816.6 g, P = 0.73), percent female (40 vs. 40%, P = 0.75), and dopamine usage (27 vs. 23%, P = 1.00). There was a significant difference in IVH incidence between the DCC and ICC groups (20 vs. 50%, P = 0.04). Mean MABP was not different (35.9 vs. 35.1 mmHg, P = 0.44). Compared with the DCC group, the ICC group had diminished autoregulatory dampening capacity (-12.96 vs. -15.06 dB, P = 0.01), which remained significant when controlling for confounders. Dampening capacity was, in turn, strongly associated with decreased risk of IVH (odds ratio = 0.14, P < 0.01). The results of this pilot study demonstrate that DCC is associated with improved dynamic cerebral autoregulatory function and may be the mechanism behind the decreased incidence of IVH. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The neuroprotective mechanism of delayed cord clamping in premature infants is unclear. Delayed cord clamping was associated with improved cerebral autoregulatory function and a marked decrease in intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Improved dynamic cerebral autoregulation may decrease arterial baroreceptor sensitivity, thereby reducing the risk of IVH.

The Mirage of Long Term Vital Benefice - Risk for the Beginning of Life?

INTRODUCTION

Cord blood is the "life" of the fetus until birth. After delivery, the newborn is "single" and forced to adapt to live using the latest resources provided by the mother. Those who believe that a newborn is just a miniature independent adult are just trusting one of the illusions of secular medicine. Cord blood contains precious cells, stem, red and white blood cells. T cells as a part of white blood cells prevent infections and other illnesses. Cochrane Database 2013 published a study reporting the role of delayed umbilical cord clamping for the benefit of infants. Harvesting of stem cells increases early clamping. So, is prevention better than treatment, speaking about possible pathologies that can occur throughout life?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

prospective study of newborns in "Alessandrescu-Rusescu" National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Bucharest, Romania, was monitored by their adaptation to extrauterine life, depending on time and technique of clamping. The impact of harvesting stem cells after birth was explored.

RESULTS

Of all babies, 8.23% were premature. Maternal pathology (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, infections, thrombophilia) was present in 31.76% of cases. Of the 85 newborns with harvested stem cells, 47% needed assistance in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Birth asphyxia (SA.7) was present in 10.58% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Two protocols with strong recommendations about umbilical cord clamping and harvesting stem cells, respectively, are necessary.

Optimising Intravenous Volume Resuscitation of the Newborn in the Delivery Room: Practical Considerations and Gaps in Knowledge

Volume resuscitation (VR) for the treatment of newborn shock is a rare but potentially lifesaving intervention. Conducting clinical studies to assess the effectiveness of VR in the delivery room during newborn stabilization is challenging. We review the available literature and current management guidelines to determine which infants will benefit from VR, the frequency of VR, and the choice of agents used. In addition, the potential role for placental transfusion in the prevention of newborn shock is explored.

Impact of maternal and neonatal factors on parameters of hematopoietic potential in umbilical cord blood

Objectives:

To determine characteristics of laboratory parameters of hematopoietic potential in umbilical cord blood and their association with maternal and neonatal factors.

Methods:

This prospective analysis was performed on 206 umbilical cord blood donations (50-200 ml) from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between January and September 2014. Samples were processed and analyzed for total nucleated cells (TNC’s), cluster designation (CD)45⁺, CD34⁺ counts, nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) count, and viability testing.

Results:

Most of the study participants (63.6%) were on their first 3 deliveries and from women with age between 17 and 30 years (80.6%). The donated volume was 50.4-192.4 ml, TNCs ranged from 500.2×10⁶ to 9430.3 ×10⁶ cells, and CD34⁺ cells ranged from 1.25×10⁶ to 12.82×10⁶/unit. The volume was positively affected by bigger birth weight of the baby (p<0.0001), larger placenta (p=0.001), TNCs (p<0.0001), CD34⁺ (p<0.0001), NRBCs (p<0.0001), and viability (p=0.002). There were no statistically significant differences between baby boys and girls for laboratory variables.

Conclusion:

In the selection and identification of a possible donor of umbilical cord blood, several maternal and neonatal factors should be considered, as younger maternal age, neonatal birth weight >3300 grams, larger placental size, and first or second-born babies, were shown to be associated with higher TNCs, CD34⁺, CD45⁺, NRBCs, and viability.

Effects of Placental Transfusion on Neonatal and 18 Month Outcomes in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of delayed cord clamping (DCC) vs immediate cord clamping (ICC) on intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), late onset sepsis (LOS), and 18-month motor outcomes in preterm infants.

STUDY DESIGN

Women (n = 208) in labor with singleton fetuses (<32 weeks gestation) were randomized to either DCC (30-45 seconds) or ICC (<10 seconds). The primary outcomes were IVH, LOS, and motor outcomes at 18-22 months corrected age. Intention-to-treat was used for primary analyses.

RESULTS

Cord clamping time was 32 ± 16 (DCC) vs 6.6 ± 6 (ICC) seconds. Infants in the DCC and ICC groups weighed 1203 ± 352 and 1136 ± 350 g and mean gestational age was 28.3 ± 2 and 28.4 ± 2 weeks, respectively. There were no differences in rates of IVH or LOS between groups. At 18-22 months, DCC was protective against motor scores below 85 on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Third Edition (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.10-0.90, P = .03). There were more women with preeclampsia in the ICC group (37% vs 22%, P = .02) and more women in the DCC group with premature rupture of membranes/preterm labor (54% vs 75%, P = .002). Preeclampsia halved the risk of IVH (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.2-1.0) and premature rupture of membranes/preterm labor doubled the risk of IVH (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-4.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Although DCC did not alter the incidence of IVH or LOS in preterm infants, it improved motor function at 18-22 months corrected age.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00818220 and NCT01426698.

Enhancing endogenous stem cells in the newborn via delayed umbilical cord clamping

There is currently no consensus among clinicians and scientists over the appropriate or optimal timing for umbilical cord clamping. However, many clinical studies have suggested that delayed cord clamping is associated with various neonatal benefits including increased blood volume, reduced need for blood transfusion, increased cerebral oxygenation in pre-term infants, and decreased frequency of iron deficiency anemia in term infants. Human umbilical cord blood contains significant amounts of stem and progenitor cells and is currently used in the treatment of several life-threatening diseases. We propose that delayed cord clamping be encouraged as it enhances blood flow from the placenta to the neonate, which is accompanied by an increase supply of valuable stem and progenitor cells, as well as may improve blood oxygenation and increase blood volume, altogether reducing the infant's susceptibility to both neonatal and age-related diseases.

Is it time to rethink cord management when resuscitation is needed?

A newborn who receives a placental transfusion at birth, either from cord milking or delayed cord clamping, obtains about 30% more blood volume than the newborn whose cord is cut immediately. Receiving an adequate blood volume from placental transfusion at birth may be protective for the distressed neonate as it prevents hypovolemia and can support optimal perfusion to all organs. New research shows that ventilating before clamping the umbilical cord can reduce large swings in cardiovascular function and help to stabilize the newborn. Hypovolemia, often associated with nuchal cord or shoulder dystocia, may lead to an inflammatory cascade and subsequent ischemic injury. A sudden unexpected neonatal asystole at birth may occur from severe hypovolemia. The restoration of blood volume is an important action to protect the hearts and brains of these neonates. Current protocols for resuscitation imply immediate cord clamping and the care of the newborn away from the mother's bedside. We suggest that an intrapartum care provider can achieve placental transfusion for the distressed neonate by milking the cord several times or resuscitating the neonate at the perineum with an intact cord. Milking the cord can be done quickly within the current Neonatal Resuscitation Program guidelines. Cord blood gases can be collected with delayed cord clamping. Bringing the resuscitation to the mother's bedside is a novel concept and supports an intact cord. Adopting a policy for resuscitation with an intact cord in a hospital setting will take concentrated effort and team work by obstetrics, pediatrics, midwifery, and nursing.

Delayed cord clamping: a collaborative practice to improve outcomes

Delayed cord clamping is a collaboration between the obstetric team and the neonatal team. Although the optimal timing for clamping the umbilical cord after birth continues to be subject to study, delaying clamping for at least 30-60 seconds, with the newborn held at or below the level of the uterus/placenta supports normal physiology and has proven benefits. Practical issues such as thermoregulation and equipment can be overcome with team collaboration and prebriefing planning. Neonatal nurses who attend deliveries are perfectly poised to influence this practice and improve short- and long-term outcomes for their patients.

Effects of delayed cord clamping in very-low-birth-weight infants

OBJECTIVE

Delayed cord clamping (DCC) may be beneficial in very-preterm and very-low-birth-weight infants.

STUDY DESIGN

This study was a randomized unmasked controlled trial. It was performed at three centers of the NICHD (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development) Neonatal Research Network. DCC in very-preterm and very-low-birth-weight infants will result in an increase in hematocrit levels at 4 h of age. Infants with a gestational age of 24 to 28 weeks were randomized to either early cord clamping (<10 s) or DCC (30 to 45 s). The primary outcome was venous hematocrit at 4 h of age. Secondary outcomes included delivery room management, selected neonatal morbidities and the need for blood transfusion during the infants' hospital stay.

RESULT

A total of 33 infants were randomized: 17 to the immediate cord clamping group (cord clamped at 7.9±5.2 s, mean±s.d.) and 16 to the DCC (cord clamped at 35.2±10.1 s) group. Hematocrit was higher in the DCC group (45±8% vs 40±5%, P<0.05). The frequency of events during delivery room resuscitation was almost identical between the two groups. There was no difference in the hourly mean arterial blood pressure during the first 12 h of life; there was a trend in the difference in the incidence of selected neonatal morbidities, hematocrit at 2, 4 and 6 weeks, as well as the need for transfusion, but none of the differences was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

A higher hematocrit is achieved by DCC in very-low-birth-weight infants, suggesting effective placental transfusion.