Survey Indicates Cord Blood Procedure Advocacy
SAN BRUNO, Calif., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Preliminary results of a survey
conducted by San Bruno, Calif.-based Cord Blood Registry (CBR), the largest
family cord blood stem cell bank in the United States, indicates that as many
as 88 percent of pediatricians recognize the collection and banking of cord
blood cells as a potentially invaluable birthing option. The same number also
agrees that patient education regarding cord blood should be routine in
pediatric and obstetrical practices.
"Our objective through the survey is to gain insight into the
pediatrician's perspective on cord blood banking, and to ultimately clear up
any misconceptions that may exist and ensure that accurate information is
disseminated to prospective parents," explains Stephen Grant, vice president,
corporate communications for the Registry.
In the survey, 82 percent of pediatricians agree that health insurance
providers should give partial or full reimbursement for cord collection and
banking based on the cord blood cells' unique qualities. Unlike bone marrow,
another important source of stem cells, cord blood is available immediately,
precluding lengthy donor searches and minimizing disease progression. In
addition, cord blood stem cells are "naive," allowing for less stringent
donor/recipient matches and less rejection than those from bone marrow. When
the stem cells are from family members, they can potentially result in double
the survival rate for certain diseases.
Finally, 82 percent of survey participants agree that a patient's family
history of cancer is not a reliable measurement of a newborn's or sibling's
potential need for cord blood. The response is based on the fact that the
causes of many cancers are unknown and that experts believe up to 80 percent
of childhood cancers are "environmentally triggered."
The results show significant pediatric support within the membership of
the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) which is contrary to the academy's
policy (#RE9860) on cord blood banking.
Cord Blood Registry is in the final stages of preparing a white paper
response that significantly refutes the AAP's policy. Similar to other AAP
policies, such as swimming lessons for children under the age of four
(Policy # RE9940), the AAP's cord blood banking policy has been called into
question.
Cord Blood Registry's survey, initiated in late April, will continue until
early December and will seek to poll approximately 40,000 pediatricians
nationwide. Pediatricians may share their opinions online
http://www.cordblood.com/Pedsurvey/index.htm; by calling 888-Cord-Blood; or by
stopping at Cord Blood Registry's Booth (#430, 431) at The American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) 2000 Annual Meeting at the Lakeside Center, McCormick Place
in Chicago, October 28th - 30th.
Information regarding cord blood collection and banking is available on
the Internet at http://www.cordblood.com or through a toll-free number at
888-CORD-BLOOD (888-267-3256).
SOURCE Cord Blood Registry
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Related links:
http://www.cordblood.com
CONTACT:
Sam Yoo, Communications Coordinator of Cord
Blood Registry, 800-588-6377, Ext. 239
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