Cord Blood Transplant Process – How It is Done
Transplantations of stem cells have become an increasingly used phenomenon for combating multiple diseases such as lymphoma, leukemia and myeloma. The entire process of transplanting these stem cells taken from cord blood is known as cord blood transplant which is performed in 4 stages.
Stage 1 – Preparatory Regimen
This engages use of large dose of chemotherapy and is few cases treatment through radiation which is carried for treating the entire body. This process is termed as total body irradiation or TBI. Higher doses are provided so as to destroy infected cells and to enhance development of new cells. This also enhances the immune system so as to prevent the patient body from transplanted cells. Depending on age of patient, severity of disease and more factors, this stage may last long for 4 to 10 days.
Stage 2 – Transplant Procedure
The method of cord blood transplant is performed 1 or 2 days after completion of first stage. If transplanted stem cells used belong to an adult donor then the process may be completed in 1 day. In case but if umbilical cord cells are considered then it will take more time. The cells are transmitted in patient’s body with help of IV line which is like a vein and it is imparted in the chest. This is painless process and once done successfully, the transplanted cells settle down in bone marrow. They then start producing white and red blood cells which is called as process of engraftment.
Stage 3 – Recovery
This is third stage of cord blood transplant where the total cell count of patient is noticed after treatment process. The overall immune system of patient tends to be stronger, but it may show symptoms of weak immune system for couple of months. The temperature of patient is considered 4 times in day so as to check for fever. This is because fever is the first sign of infection. During this process the patient is also provided with antibiotics and tested for blood samples so as to check that everything is going fine.
Stage 4 – Outpatient
One a patient is confirmed to be fit after 100 days of hospitalization then he is discharged. He is then considered as an outpatient and asked for regular health checkups. This stage may last for a year and patient is checked for healthy diet and freedom from infection.
So, when all these 4 stages are completed well then this signifies successful completion of cord blood transplant process.