About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Stem Cell Treatment can Lead to Some Improvement in Babies With Down Syndrome

by Dr. Trupti Shirole on January 22, 2017 at 5:27 PM
Font : A-A+

 Stem Cell Treatment can Lead to Some Improvement in Babies With Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome - a genetic disorder - is incurable. However, stem cell experts have reached a conclusion that stem cell treatment can lead to some improvement giving better life even if no permanent cure can be promised.

A three-year-old baby - born with Down Syndrome having subnormal motor skills - has shown improvement after undergoing stem cell treatment at a hospital in New Delhi, doctors said.

Advertisement


Rahul (name changed) was born preterm due to premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and was kept in intensive care unit (ICU) for two days due to respiratory distress.

Following diagnosis of Down Syndrome and subnormal motor skills, the patient was shown to a city-based stem cell expert.

The baby was admitted with complaints of delayed milestones, lack of voice, cardiac defects, slanted eyes and with no neck holding capacity.
Advertisement

According to the doctor, the patient underwent two sessions of stem cell therapy of which the first session lasted approximately three months.

"By the end of three months, the muscle tone was better in all limbs. He (patient) had started babbling and crawling. He was social and was able to recognize his near ones after the first session. Better outcomes were observed with no adverse events," said Geeta Shroff, stem cell expert with city-based Nutech Mediworld.

According to Shroff, the results and improvements have shown that the new medical technology has the potential to replace damaged neurons, re-establish lost axonal connections, and provide treatment for various neural and congenital disorders.

"Embryonic stem cell lines used during the treatment have been derived from a single spare fertilized egg that donated during a IVF cycle. This fertilized egg would have otherwise been medical waste," Shroff said.

About 50% of all babies born with Down syndrome are also born with a congenital heart defect.

Source: IANS
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest Genetics & Stem Cells News

A Ray of Hope: Adrenal Hyperplasia may Get a Cure Soon
Scientists have developed the first humanized mouse model for a rare hereditary condition.
Placenta Joins the Brain in Determining Genetic Risk of Schizophrenia
A recent study discovered that the placenta, rather than only the brain, is crucial in determining the genetic risk of schizophrenia.
Scientists Discover Gene Responsible for Severe Facial Defects
FOXI3 gene was found to be involved in Goldenhar syndrome, one form of developmental disorder, revealed research.
Beyond the Blueprint: Understanding the Role of Epigenetics
Contrary to previous beliefs, genes may not be fixed and can be influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle choices, according to modern scientific research.
Gene Therapy Shows Promise in Inherited Eye Disease Trials
Gene therapy successfully tested on dogs with inherited eye disease is now poised for clinical use in humans.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Stem Cell Treatment can Lead to Some Improvement in Babies With Down Syndrome Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests