Thursday, October 30, 2008

Hearing Loss Reversed in Animal Study Using Cord Blood

I checked my email this morning and had a newsletter from Cord Blood Registry where we banked Jake's Cord Blood. Apparently there might be a chance to use the cord blood to restore hearing. Obviously we still wont know what is going on and what steps are necessary but this is a remarkable to me. Cord blood stem cells have the ability to help restore hearing, according to a study published last month in Cell Transplantation. In the study, which used animal models, subjects treated with cord blood stem cells showed significant healing to the damaged portion of the sensory hair cells and neurons in the inner ear, while non-treated subjects continued to show serious damage. According to David Eve, Ph.D. at the University of South Florida, "This study provides hope for a potential treatment for the repair of hearing impairments." Hearing loss is the most prevalent birth defect in America today, affecting 2-3 infants per 1,000 births http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/120350.php

4 comments:

Raegan & Caleb said...

That's great news! I have been thinking about you. Let me know if you need anything.

KT said...

You and your family have been in my thoughts, Rebecca. I am so glad to read that you have received more encouraging news.

Katie W.

Anonymous said...

Wow, that sounds incredible!

Jaedeanne and Baby Ruby Catherine said...

This is so amazing, and such great news!!! Even though I get to see first-hand new developments in pharmaceuticals every day, it never ceases to amaze me when I read about these amazing Miracles of Medicine. Still sending thoughts & prayers your way. Love you guys bunches.