Cord Blood Banking Research Articles

Sterility of cord blood units: Evaluation of the collection, preparation and conservation process with a view to establishing a bank of stem cells from cord blood at the Biological Resources Center of the Institut Pasteur de Côte d’Ivoire (2024)

Introduction: Cord blood stem cells are used as an alternative to bone marrow and peripheral blood cell transplantation. For this purpose, cord blood banks have been established worldwide for the collection and cryopreservation of cord blood units. These banks must implement rigorous protocols to ensure the microbiological safety of grafts. The aim of this study is to evaluate the process of selecting mothers and collecting and processing these samples developed for this purpose. Methodology: Pregnant women were enrolled in the study on the basis of selection criteria. Maternal blood and cord blood samples were collected by the in utero method. Serological analyses of maternal blood for the detection of vertically transmitted infections and microbiological examinations of cord blood units were carried out. Results: 31 women out of 46 (68.4%) were enrolled. All had negative serology for the targeted pathogens. Similarly, microbiology revealed no microbial contamination of the cord blood units. Conclusion: This work demonstrates that the procedures for selecting mothers and processing implementations are effective in ensuring the microbiological safety of cord blood units and could be suggested in the context of banking cord blood stem cells at the Institut Pasteur de Côte d’Ivoire.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Pregnant Women and Hospital Staff Regarding Umbilical Cord Blood Banking: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women and hospital staff regarding umbilical cord blood (UCB) donation and storage to understand its limitations in clinical practice. MEDLINE, Scopus, LILACS, EMBASE, Scielo.br, and PROSPERO were searched from inception to 30 November 2023 with no geographic or language restrictions. The study eligibility criteria included cross-sectional studies that interviewed pregnant women and/or hospital staff about their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding private or public storage. A random-effects restricted maximum-likelihood model with Freeman-Tukey Double arcsine transformation meta-analysis was carried out to calculate the pooled estimates. MOOSE guidelines were followed. STATA 14.1 was used for statistical analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and ROBINS-I tool were used for quality and risk of bias assessments. In total, 19 studies providing data for 19,904 pregnant women and 1245 hospital staff members were included. Pooled pregnant women awareness was 61% ((95% CI 0.60 to 0.62), I2 = 0%, τ2 = 0.00, Q = 11.0 (p = 0.950)), and 61% for hospital staff (95% CI 0.58 to 0.64), I2 = 0%, τ2 = 0.00, Q = 4.00 (p = 0.310)). In total, 57% ((95% CI 0.56 to 0.58), I2 = 0, τ2 = 0.00, Q = 4.00 (p = 0.320)) of pregnant women had a positive attitude about UCB, while 34% ((95% CI 0.32 to 0.36), I2 = 0%, τ2 = 0.00, Q = 4.00 (p = 0.310)) were in favor of donating UCB for research and 65% ((95% CI 0.63 to 0.66), I2 = 0%, τ2 = 0.00, Q = 4.0 (p = 0.350)) were planning UCB storage. A significant (p < 0.001) preference for public relative to private banking (51% ([95% CI 0.49 to 0.54], I2 = 0%, τ2 = 0.00, Q = 4.0 (p = 0.310)) vs. 12% ([95% CI 0.10 to 0.13], I2 = 0%, τ2 = 0.00, Q = 4.0 (p = 0.300))) was noted for pregnant women. The same was retrievable for professionals (84% ([95% CI 0.79 to 0.88], I2 = 0%, τ2 = 0.00, Q = 2.0 (p = 0.110)) vs. 6% ([95% CI 0.03 to 0.09], I2 = 0%, τ2 = 0.00, Q = 1.0 (p = 0.070); p < 0.001)). Despite these efforts, lack of knowledge and positive attitudes about UCB banking remain, emphasizing the need for increasing educational programs on the subject.

Correction to: Abstract 11: Multicomponent Cord Blood Bank Program, Beyond Transplantation.

Correction to: Abstract 11: Multicomponent Cord Blood Bank Program, Beyond Transplantation.

Preserving Stem Cells for Potential Use in Future Reparative Medicine

With its enormous potential for regenerative medicine and therapeutic applications, stem cell preservation represents a major breakthrough in biomedical science. Stem cells are gathered, processed, and stored under carefully monitored circumstances in order to preserve their viability for potential use in the future. Because they may differentiate into a variety of cell types, stem cells—especially those derived from sources like umbilical cord blood—are essential for both therapeutic and research uses. An essential function of cord blood banking is to offer a plentiful supply of immune system cells that may be stored for potential future therapeutic applications. Immunological deficits, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, and heart failure are just a few of the conditions for which stem cell treatments have shown promise. Notwithstanding the promise, there remain obstacles such immunological rejection and the need for more research to fully comprehend the development and functionality of stem cells. It is essential for the general public to be informed about stem cell treatments and cord blood banking in order for expectant parents to make well-informed decisions. Future advancements in the subject depend heavily on resolving ethical issues and enhancing the effectiveness of stem cell-based therapies. To fully realise the promise of stem cell preservation in conventional medicine, more research, creativity, and international cooperation are required.

From banked human cord blood to induced pluripotent stem cells: New opportunities and promise in induced pluripotent stem cell banking (Review).

Umbilical cord blood (CB) is a valuable source of haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSCs) and is known for the therapeutic use of these cells in treating blood disorders. However, challenges such as a high running cost and the increasing availability of treatment alternatives have made the effort to sustain CB banks difficult. This prompts the need to revisit the current CB banking initiatives to retain the relevance in this ever‑changing era parallel to the fast‑pacing development of cell‑based therapeutic technology. Cellular reprogramming has shown to have successfully converted adult somatic cells into human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), which promise wider applications in regenerative medicine, personalized treatment and tissue engineering. CB is the youngest, primitive adult cell source that has not been affected by any prior, acquired disorders. Hence, using CB as a source of candidate cells for generating hiPSCs may be a new opportunity for banking, albeit with challenges. The present review summarizes the rise and fall of CB usage and banking for clinical therapy, the considerations in reprogramming CB into hiPSCs, the safety concerns regarding the use of hiPSC‑derived cells in clinical transplantation and the prospect of using CB‑derived hiPSCs.

Umbilical Cord Blood Platelet Lysate Eyedrops for the Treatment of Severe Ocular Surface Disorders in Graft vs. Host Disease Patients: Clinical Study

Background: Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is an overactive systemic inflammatory response that can arise following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This condition occurs when the transplanted donor immune cells recognize the recipient’s tissues as foreign and trigger an immune response against them. The ocular surface (eyelids, conjunctiva, meibomian glands, lacrimal glands, and cornea) is particularly involved in GvHD, and its response to existing treatments, including potent immunosuppressants and new targeted therapies, is undesirable, with such treatments often being ineffective. Human allogeneic umbilical cord blood platelet lysate stands out as a potent adjunct to conventional therapies for ocular surface disorders related to severe Dry Eye Disease. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of umbilical cord blood platelet lysate eyedrops for the treatment of severe ocular surface disorders in graft-versus-host disease patients who have received previous unsuccessful treatments. Methods: This study was a prospective, non-comparative, interventional case series study involving 22 patients (10 females and 12 males) aged 25–46 years with severe ocular surface disorders that were unresponsive to standard treatments. The GvHD patients were categorized based on the severity of their ocular surface disorders into three groups: Group I: five patients with severe Dry Eye Disease and filamentary keratitis; Group II: eight patients suffering from severe blepharo-kerato-epitheliopathy; Group III: nine patients with corneal ulcers. Fresh umbilical cord blood (UCB) was obtained from healthy donors and subjected to centrifugation using a novel PRP preparation kit provided by Sciacca (AG) Cord blood bank, Italy in a one-step process. In all groups, the outcomes before and after treatment were evaluated by means of the OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index), SANDE (Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye) questionnaire, VAS (Visual Analogue Scale), slit lamp examination, Esthesiometry, Lissamine Green Staining, the NIBUT (Non-Invasive Break-Up Time) and BUT, fluorescein staining with digital photography and Oxford classification, the Schirmer Test, the Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), and Meibography. In Group III at each evaluation time, the size of the ulcer and its relative reduction compared to the baseline size were recorded. Clinical variables, such as corneal inflammation, conjunctivalization, corneal neovascularization, or pain, were also considered individually. Results: We observed a significant improvement in the SANDE, VAS, and OSDI scores; Schirmer Test; BUT; BCVA; and Oxford classification after treatment with allogeneic cord blood serum eyedrops. Nevertheless, pain and inflammation reduced markedly over time until complete healing in all cases. The mean reduction in the ulcer surface area (compared to baseline values) was significantly higher at all assessment points (p = 0.001 for day 7 and p &lt; 0.001 for subsequent time points every 30 days for 90 days). At the last check-up (after 90 days of treatment), the number of ulcers (Group III, nine patients) with a reduction in size of greater than 50% was eight (88.8%), of which seven ulcers were completely healed. None of the patients experienced treatment-related local or systemic adverse events. In this study, using a relatively large number of cases, we demonstrated that the use of umbilical cord blood platelet lysate eyedrops is a safe, feasible, and effective curative approach for severe ocular surface disease in patients with GvHD. Conclusions: Our pilot study highlights the remarkable effectiveness of allogeneic cord blood serum eyedrops in patients with severe ocular surface disorders following GvHD who have shown an inadequate response to the usual treatments. It is mandatory to design future studies on the efficacy of this therapeutic approach for acute ocular, mucosal, and cutaneous GvHD.

A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY TO ASSESS KNOWLEDGE REGARDING UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD BANKING AMONG WOMEN IN THE REPRODUCTIVE AGE

Umbilical cord blood stem cells are the name given to the blood remaining in the umbilical cord and placenta after childbirth. Umbilical cord blood has the potential to be a huge source of primitive hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells that can be used to reconstruct the hematopoietic system and restore immunological function in individuals who require treatment. A descriptive research methodology was adopted in this study and 100 reproductive age group women in Sharda Hospital were selected in the present study. Convenience sampling technique was adopted for the data collection. The information was gathered via a knowledge questionnaire, which was used to assess knowledge regarding umbilical cord blood banking. The result revealed that 30 women had poor knowledge, 63 women had moderate knowledge and 7 had knowledge about umbilical cord blood banking. The importance of umbilical cord blood banking information was given among selected 100 participating women via the help of a pamphlet to raise awareness of uses of umbilical cord bloodbanking.

Cord Blood Banking in Vietnam: Historical Perspective, Status, and Future Developments 2023.

Cord Blood Banking in Vietnam: Historical Perspective, Status, and Future Developments 2023.

Abstract 12: Cord Blood Banking, Technical and Clinical grade GMP- Development of Advanced Therapy Products as HLA-Homozygous iPSC-derived Cardiomyocytes

Abstract 12: Cord Blood Banking, Technical and Clinical grade GMP- Development of Advanced Therapy Products as HLA-Homozygous iPSC-derived Cardiomyocytes

Abstract 21: Feasibility of Harnessing Umbilical Cord Tissue for Alveolar Cleft Repair: A Collaboration between a Large Academic Institution and a Private Family Cord Blood Bank

Abstract 21: Feasibility of Harnessing Umbilical Cord Tissue for Alveolar Cleft Repair: A Collaboration between a Large Academic Institution and a Private Family Cord Blood Bank

Abstract 14: Contribution of US Public Cord Blood Banking to Improved Engraftment and Survival after Allogeneic Cord Blood Transplantation (CBT)

Abstract 14: Contribution of US Public Cord Blood Banking to Improved Engraftment and Survival after Allogeneic Cord Blood Transplantation (CBT)

Abstract 7: Influence of Long-term Storage of Cryopreserved Automated Volume-Reduced Cord Blood Units Until 20 Years: Analysis From Barcelona Cord Blood Bank, Spain.

Abstract 7: Influence of Long-term Storage of Cryopreserved Automated Volume-Reduced Cord Blood Units Until 20 Years: Analysis From Barcelona Cord Blood Bank, Spain.

Abstract 6: Value of a Multi-Regional Cord Blood Bank Program: Multiple Collection Centers to Select High-Quality Units for Transplantation

Abstract 6: Value of a Multi-Regional Cord Blood Bank Program: Multiple Collection Centers to Select High-Quality Units for Transplantation

Transfusion of allogenic cord blood to patients with multiple myeloma: safety analysis and influence on the immunophenotype of blood lymphocytes in the early period

Severe immune dysfunction occurs in the majority of cancer patients. One of the methods for overcoming immune disorders is transplantation of peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cells, both autologous and allogeneic, and transfusion of allogeneic natural killer cells (NK cells). Umbilical cord blood is a known source of not only hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) but also NK cells, characterized by the rapid availability of blood samples from public cord blood banks. Purpose of the study: to analyze the safety of simultaneous transfusion of three allogeneic cord blood to patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in the early period (7 days after administration), and also to study the response of subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients to this intervention. The pilot study included 10 patients (7 men and 3 women) with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who had previously received more than 3 lines of therapy. The age of the patients was 59.4±3.4 years; all of them received a single transfusion of three allogeneic samples of umbilical cord blood with an average dose of leukocytes of 60.50±8.2 × 108 (NK cells – 4.36±1.2 × 108) per one patient. A total of 30 samples of umbilical cord blood, alloreactive for KIR receptors of the receptor-ligand type, were transfused. The selection of HSCs concentrates was carried out in the umbilical cord blood bank of the Dynasty Medical Center. Before transfusion of umbilical cord blood, patients received cyclophosphamide 5 mg/kg. After transfusion, patients received five subcutaneous injections of IL-2 (roncoleukin) in the amount of 1 million units per day. Observation at the time of assessment of preliminary results: 7 days after transfusion. Analysis of the immunophenotype of patient lymphocytes was studied twice: on the day of transfusion before the start of the protocol and 7 days after transfusion of umbilical cord blood. No early adverse reactions to transfusions were observed. Simultaneous transfusion of three allogeneic cord blood to patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma is a safe procedure. There are no adverse reactions, serious adverse events, or significant reactions/changes in the immunophenotype of patient lymphocytes in the early observation period within 7 days after the intervention.

Efficiency assessment of cord blood banking and compatibility with delayed cord clamping.

There is debate whether delayed umbilical cord clamping following delivery, the current gold standard, affects the proportion of cord blood units (CBU) suitable for public cord blood banking. This study was designed to assess the impact of delayed cord clamping on the number of CBU suitable for therapeutic uses. To minimize variability, data from the four most active collection centers within the Programa Concordia (Spain) were included. Data on CBU collected in utero from mothers following normal vaginal deliveries from July 2018 to December 2021 were analyzed. The weight of the collection bags (as a surrogate of volume) and total nucleated cell (TNC) count were analyzed according to three defined clamping times: 30 s, 60 s and ≥120 s. The CBU were stratified as suitable for stem cell transplantation (≥110 g and ≥1,500×106 TNC/unit) or other clinical applications (≥100 g but TNC count below the threshold). - There were 131 (18%), 548 (76%), and 40 (5%) CBU collected at 30 s, 60 s and ≥120 s, respectively. The median weight of the CBU decreased gradually with time, with a significant difference between units collected when the cord was clamped at 30 s or 60 s (p=0.036), so significantly fewer CBU met the minimal weight criterion (100 g) at 60 s than at 30 s (p=0.002). However, this was not reflected by the TNC available, resulting in non-statistical differences in CBU eligible for banking between these times. The major predictor of collection success was the neonate's birth-weight. -Despite decreases in the volume of cord blood collected when cord clamping at 30 s or 60 s, TNC count is maintained resulting in similar numbers of CBU eligible for banking. The different clamping delays investigated in this study are, therefore, compatible with public cord blood banking needs.

Mitigation of supply chain challenges in cell therapy manufacturing: perspectives from the cord blood alliance.

Cellular therapies rely on highly specialized supply chains that often depend on single source providers. Public cord blood banks (CBB) manufacturing the first cell therapy to be highly regulated by the FDA and related international agencies are a prime example of being subject to this phenomenon. In addition to banking unrelated donor cord blood units for transplantation, CBBs also source and characterize starting materials for supply to allogeneic cell therapy developers that often employ customized technologies offered by just a small number of manufacturers. As such, these supply chains are especially sensitive to even minor changes which often result in potential major impacts. Regulations can shape supply chain efficiencies, both directly via the definition of restricted technology and process requirements and indirectly by steering strategic business decisions of critical supply or service providers. We present 3 current supply chain issues with different root causes that are swaying efficiencies in cord blood banking and beyond. Specifically, the shortage of Hespan, a common supplement used in cord blood processing, the decision by the provider to stop supporting medical device marking of the Sepax system broadly used in cord blood banking, and a new European ruling on phasing out plasticizers that are critical for providing flexibility to cord blood collection bags, are all threatening downstream supply chain issues for the biologics field. We discuss overcoming these hurdles through the prism of unified mitigation strategies, defined, and implemented by multi-factorial teams and stakeholders, to negotiate resolutions with providers and regulators alike.

Awareness and Attitude of Pregnant Couple Toward Umbilical Cord Blood Banking in Telangana: A Cross-sectional Study.

Banking of umbilical cord blood (UCB) is performed to collect and store umbilical cord stem cells. Both public and private cord blood banks have been established around the world. The study aimed to determine the level of awareness of UCB banking among pregnant couples and to assess the attitude of the couples toward UCB banking. We also tried to explore the factors influencing the UCB banking donation and the couple's expectations of UCB banking in the future. A prevalidated questionnaire on UCB banking was administered, and the interview was conducted among the same pregnant couples (both husband and wife) attending the obstetrics and gynecology (OBG) outpatient department (OPD). Only 28% (N = 121) of the participants had heard of UCB banking, and only 12% had correct knowledge of UCB banking. Only 4.9% of participants had heard of public or private UCB banks. Only one couple of 121 has stored UCB in their previous pregnancy, and about 36% of couples were willing to store their newborn's UCB in the present pregnancy. Poor understanding continues to be a significant barrier to reaping the benefits of UCB and preservation. Obstetricians and pediatricians should take a more active role in educating patients about the benefits and drawbacks of UCB banking.

Criteria for storage of cord blood units at Japan's largest cord blood bank.

In Japan, cord blood transplantations exceed those done with adult-sourced unrelated stem cells. This study analyses cord blood (CB) storage criteria to maintain high-quality CB units. The Kanto-Koshinetsu Cord Blood Bank received 29,795 units from 2014 to 2021, mostly >60 mL, and 5486 (18.4%) were stored as transplantable units. We investigated the mother's gestational period, CB volume, total nucleated cells (TNCs), CD34+ cells, total colony-forming units (CFUs), time from collection to reception and cryopreservation, cell viability, and the reasons for not storing a unit. The average time from collection to reception of 29,795 units was 18.0 h. The most common reason for not storing a CB unit was low cell numbers (pre-processing TNC count <1.2 billion), accounting for 67.9% of the units received. There was no correlation between the CB volume and the CD34+ cell count. The shorter the gestational period, the lower the TNC count, but the higher the CD34+ cell count. There was no correlation between the time from collection to cryopreservation, within a 36-h time limit, and the CD34+ cell recovery rate. We could accept units with a TNC count <1.2 billion and a CB volume <60 mL from a gestational period of 38 weeks or less if we did a pre-processing CD34+ cell count. This would secure more units rich in CD34+ cells.

Evaluation of factors affecting total nucleated cells in umbilical cord blood collected for the Calabria Cord Blood Bank.

Total nucleated cell (TNC) count is the most important biological feature to consider in assessing the quality of umbilical cord blood (UCB) for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation. Certain obstetric factors have been reported to increase TNC count in UCB units collected for transplantation. The aim of our study was to analyze how various maternal, neonatal and obstetric factors affected TNC count in the UCBs we collected for our cord blood bank in southern Italy. We performed a retrospective analysis of 634 medical records of UCBs collected by Calabria Cord Blood Bank (CCBB), Reggio Calabria, Italy, between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016. We analyzed various maternal, neonatal and obstetric variables factors and related this factor with the characteristic of TNC. We found that the average number of TNCs was significantly greater in vaginal delivery than in caesarean delivery. We also found that TNCs were higher in the 40th week of pregnancy and when Apgar 1' scores were ≤9. The effect of a newborn's gender was less evident on TNC count. Knowledge of factors predictive of a higher TNC count would help cord blood banks more efficiently identify donors likely to yield high-quality UCBs for transplantation.

Knowledge and attitude on umbilical cord blood stem cell therapy among bachelor nursing students in Lalitpur Metropolitan City

Background: Stem cells are immature cells that have ability to mature into different types of functioning cells as needed by body. Umbilical cord blood is one of the richest sources of stem cells. It is vital for nurses to keep up-to-date of current advances in stem cell science and nurses can play crucial role in providing first-hand information to public about stem cell and umbilical cord blood banking. Therefore, this study is aimed to identify the knowledge and attitude regarding umbilical cord blood stem cell therapy among bachelor nursing students. Method: A descriptive cross sectional research design was used to assess the knowledge and attitude of 263 nurses studying bachelor in nursing science and post basic bachelor in nursing in different selected nursing college of Lalitpur metropolitan city. Multi stage cluster sampling was used to select respondents. Data was collected using self-developed self-administered google form questionnaire. Results: Most of the nurses had poor knowledge (49.4%) and few nurses had good knowledge (6.8%) however majority of nurses (93.9%) had favourable attitude regarding umbilical cord blood stem cell therapy. Regarding association between variable, there is no any association between knowledge level and attitude (p=0.224). Conclusion: Nurses had poor knowledge and favourable attitude regarding umbilical cord blood stem cell therapy. Keywords: Nurses,Stem cells, Umbilical cord blood