Discussion Forums > Thalassemia Major

23 weeks pregnant

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avasmom:
hey everyone, i know alot of u strongly disagree with having more children if u have one with thal. but i am pregnant and i had a few questions about stem cell transplant. at the facility that my daughter is treated at a handful of the kids have undergone the transplant and have been cured of thal.i know that my new baby boy would have to not be a major to cure ava , but what if hes a minor?im waiting for the 'kit" in the mail for the cord blood banking. so...if my new baby isnt thal major and he is an exact match for ava....i heard that ava would have to go through chimotheropy and be quarantine for a month because they would basically have to remove her immune system so they she wont reject the stem cells, and that if she gets sick or incounters any bacteria while in quarenine that it could e fatal.if anyone has any information or experience with stem cells or the procedure please help , i would love to hear your opinions and insight too
                                      AVASMOM

Andy Battaglia:
We have several members whose children have undergone bone marrow transplants (BMT) during the past few years. Recently Madhavi has chronicled the story of Mohanish and his BMT at http://www.thalassemiapatientsandfriends.com/index.php?topic=3125.msg31246#msg31246

I do want to clarify that what you are talking about would use the stem cells from the cord blood if there is a match, and this does modify the procedures some and can also result in an outcome where there is a mixed chimerism, in which both the donor stem cells and the recipient's bone marrow co-exist without reaction. If the new child does turn out to be a match and you do want to pursue this, I would suggest talking to both Chicago and also Dr Krishnamurti in Pittsburgh. Dr Krishnamurti has been a pioneer in developing a chemotherapy treatment to prepare for the BMT that is not as harsh on the patient. The success rate in the US for cord blood derived stem cell transplants in thalassemics is very high and the results have been quite good in recent years. 

http://www.chp.edu/CHP/Krishnamurti,+Lakshmanan,+MD+


--- Quote --- Lakshmanan  Krishnamurti,  MD 

Job Title Director, Comprehensive Hemoglobinopathy Program
Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology   
4401 Penn Avenue, Suite Floor 9
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
412-692-7192 Phone
412-692-7693 Fax
Email lakshmanan.krishnamurti@chp.edu
--- End quote ---

avasmom:
so is there a difference between a marrow transplant and stem cell transplant?

Andy Battaglia:
Although bone marrow and stem cell transplants are basically the same, the difference is the source of the cells that are transplanted. In a BMT, the stem cells are harvested directly from the bone marrow in a procedure that does cause some pain to the donor. When stem cells are harvested from the blood, it is much easier on the donor since it's like giving blood. With cord blood, it is the stem cells from the cord blood that are used. In all cases, stem cells are transplanted to the recipient. Of the three, the stem cells from cord blood pose the lowest risk for graft versus host disease after the transplant.

I believe any parent considering a bone marrow or stem cell transplant should educate themselves extensively about what is involved and what to expect in both the short and long term. Being informed can help to make the whole process much less intimidating as it progresses, as the parents know what they can expect at each step. Madhavi's posts are a great asset to this site in helping to guide others through the process and I hope you thoroughly review them.

avasmom:
thank you very much andy!!i appreciate it. this is not something that im planning on jumping into. like ive said on previosly posts , her transfusions go smoothly and no reactions to blood or anything.and plus i know its a bit risky, nothing i would take into my own hands. but if things got complicated with her transfusions or it was something she felt strongly about as an adult then i would support her of course . thank u very much again
         avasmom

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