Cerebral palsy is a condition that causes difficulties in speech, vision, or hearing, accompanied by hand tremors and muscle stiffness. Currently, there is no reliable treatment for this condition in medical science, but a recent study has instilled new hope.
A paper published in a journal on translational medicine suggests that cerebral palsy can be partially controlled using umbilical cord blood, which is retained after birth along with the placenta.
This study yielded positive results related to the use of cells derived from this blood. However, it is premature to claim that this will lead to a complete cure for cerebral palsy. Parents need to understand the conclusions drawn from the research and which aspects still require confirmation.
The study analyzed the results of 10 clinical trials concerning the use of umbilical cord blood and its cells for treating cerebral palsy. A total of 621 patients participated in these trials. The study showed that children receiving treatment exhibited greater improvement in physical activity over 12 months compared to the control group. The GMFM score was used for assessment, which reflects the child's ability to sit, stand, walk, and perform other activities.
It was found that the results obtained using different types of cells were not identical. Therefore, it has not yet been proven that this treatment will be effective for all children. Further research on a broader and larger group of children is necessary to confirm this hypothesis. Despite this, this study has become a source of hope for patients with cerebral palsy.
Dr. Getika Jassal, a medical representative for Cryoviva Life Sciences, notes that treatment involving umbilical cord blood is still in the research phase and cannot be considered a definitive cure for cerebral palsy. She also emphasizes that it does not guarantee improvement or full recovery in every child. She advises parents considering stem cell therapy methods for their child to consult a doctor.