Newborn Possibilities Program Focuses on Cerebral Palsy

The Newborn Possibilities Program was launched last week by Cord Blood Registry â as part of an effort to provide potential medical treatment for babies at-risk of developing a neurological disability.

A first-of-its kind service, the Newborn Possibilities Program offers free processing and storage of newborn stem cells for babies born with low Apgar score – a routine evaluation made at the time of birth to assess a newborn's physical condition.

Low Apgar scores are typically associated with an increased risk of neurological disabilities. Babies born with an Apgar score of less than 6 qualify for the new stem cell program.

Cerebral Palsy is a neurological condition that is often associated with low Apgar scores. The most common childhood disability, cerebral palsy affects approximately 5,000 to 10,000 newborns annually.

Currently, there are no approved treatment options for cerebral palsy, but experts believe that newborn stem cells may at some point provide a powerful treatment resource for those with the condition.

Stem cells have already been proven effective in the regeneration of blood and immune cells. The process of regeneration involves the replacement of diseased cells with healthy ones. Researchers hope that stem cells will also work for regenerating damaged brain cells.

“There is no reparative therapy for traumatic brain injury,” said Dr. James Baumgartner. “Suddenly, we have an option when before, we had nothing.”

Studies are underway to determine whether or not stem cell therapy will work for treating neurological disabilities like cerebral palsy. Experts believe that treatment during the first few years of life may offer the best hope for improvement.

“It is impossible to predict outcomes in babies born at risk for neurological injury. However, we can collect newborn stem cells from the umbilical cord immediately following the birth, and if a disability becomes evident, parents and doctors can use the cells to try and repair the damaged brain tissue,” said Dr. Robert Sears.

“The hope is that we can lessen the severity of any potential disabilities and give these children a far better quality of life.”

If your child was born with cerebral palsy because of medical negligence or malpractice, please contact a cerebral palsy attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options.