Storing Umbilical Cord Blood

Many parents today are inundated with literature and marketing about the benefits of private storage for their baby's umbilical cord blood. More than 20 companies now offer this service either for donation or private storage for each individual family. Storing your own baby's cord blood has been called "biological insurance" by cord blood storage companies. What do we really know about the benefits and limitations of cord blood storage?

Pros of umbilical cord blood storage

Umbilical cord blood contains stem cells that are a rich source of potentially life-saving treatment for diseases such as leukemia, sickle cell anemia, some forms of cancer, as well as a host of immune and blood diseases.

Stems cells that are found in umbilical cord blood are immunologically immature which means that they are less likely than adult stem cells to attack a recipient's healthy tissue.

Cons/Limitations of umbilical cord blood storage

One of the biggest limitations for private storage for many families today is the cost. Enrollment and collection fees run from $600 to as much as $2,000 with yearly storage fees of about $100 per year.

Most cord blood storage companies do not tell prospective customers that the cord blood drawn from a newborn often cannot be used to treat illnesses for the same child. Some doctors say that in the cases of genetic diseases such as sickle cell anemia or even for other non-genetic diseases like cancer, the disease is present in the blood and cannot be used for the child it was meant to treat.

Subsequently, the only use for private cord blood will typically be an "exact match" sibling or relative, where a healthy child's cord blood can be used as a transplant to a sibling or family member with a disease.

Another possible limitation is that the amount of cord blood drawn may only be enough to treat another child. My only personal experience was with a former client who was planning to have her baby's cord blood saved since her mother-in-law had just been diagnosed with leukemia. They were told by the cord blood company that the amount of stem cells drawn from the umbilical cord blood would be insufficient to treat an adult.

Umbilical cord blood collection also requires that the cord be cut early, just moments after the birth of the baby. This can reduce the amount of blood to the baby after birth and may result in anemia later in life.

What do the experts say about umbilical cord blood storage?

The American Academy of Pediatrics has released a statement in 1999 which says that "there is no strong evidence to recommend routine cord blood banking for an infant's future use." In fact, they recommend that parents either consider donation or private storage of cord blood only if there is an imminent or existing need for a family member.

In addition, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that its physicians proceed with "considerable circumspection" with regard to recommending private umbilical cord blood storage.

What is the most responsible consumer choice regarding umbilical cord blood storage?

Clearly we have a rich source of treatment for many life-threatening diseases in this tiny 3-4 ounce sample of umbilical cord blood. However we know there is a possible risk of chronic anemia to the baby when the cord is cut prematurely. And there is apparent evidence that treatment options for the individual child are more limited than what cord blood companies indicate.

Will public cord blood facilities exist someday where families can donate, as they choose, and all patients have access to treat illnesses in a similar fashion that patients today can access blood or blood products when they are needed? This not only eliminates the incredible cost for families, but increases the possibility of more suitable matches for everyone who might be in need of stem cells.

If you are interested in donating your baby's umbilical cord blood, be sure to ask if the cord blood company offers that option and request a free kit.

Are you planning to store your baby's umbilical cord blood? Why or why not?

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