Cord Blood Transplant

Umbilical cord blood is a rich source of stem cells -- immature, blood-producing cells found in blood and bone marrow. Scientists believe that selected cord blood cells produce chemicals that travel to the brain, where they signal brain cells to reduce inflammation or stimulate the formation of new connections between nerve cells called neurons. In addition to offering hope for young children with autism and cerebral palsy, cord blood infusion therapy may hold promise for other brain injuries, including encephalopathy in newborns and stroke in adults.

• For more than a decade, our team has been involved in experimental and compassionate treatments through autologous infusions, which use a child’s own cord blood. A new procedure starting soon will expand access for autologous and sibling infusions and will replace compassionate cord blood infusions.
• Duke is home to the Carolinas Cord Blood Bank, one of the largest public cord blood banks in the world. The bank allows “directed donations,” in which the cord blood can be saved for a family member with certain serious medical conditions.