What is Optic Nerve Hypoplasia?
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia refers to the underdevelopment of the optic nerve during
pregnancy. When we see, light through the outside world enters the eye. It
passes through the eye and enters the Optic Nerve. The Optic Nerve transmits the
light from the eyes to the brain. It is our brain that processes the light that
enters our eyes from the outside world and interprets it as images. This is what
happens when we see. The Optic Nerve, in a real sense, is the telephone line
that allows the eyes to communicate with the brain. Though we have no
information about the numbers of children with ONH (incidents), studies have
shown that ONH is the third most common cause of childhood blindness and visual
impairment in the United States. The numbers of children born with ONH is
increasing dramatically. There is no known cause for ONH. Though there have been
a few reports of siblings with ONH, there is no current evidence to suggest that
ONH is a genetic condition.
Where do the stem cells come from?
The umbilical cord is a rich source of stem cells and is a non-controversial way
to use stem cells, similar to stem cells from bone marrow, which have been used
for years in the United States.
What are the differences between embryonic stem cells and umbilical cord stem
cells?
Stem cells are the building blocks of our body. Embryonic stem cells are a life,
the egg, the embryo. They are considered to be rouge cells as they are unsure
and it is not predictable as to the outcome, they have been known to cause
tumors in several tests.
The Umbilical Cord Stem Cell is from the umbilical cord it is a new pure cell.
It is separated from the blood, so you have only pure new stem cell. There are
no blood markers as this is not a blood product. These umbilical stem cells are
nurtured and put into a body intravenously or via lumbar puncture. These
umbilical cord stem cells will travel to any damaged area and generate healthy
cellular tissue, they repair the damaged area.
Because this is not a blood product and umbilical cord stem cells are pure, it
doesn't make any difference if these umbilical cord stem cells are from the same
person or from a new born baby's umbilical cord from the other side of the
world. What matters is that the body these umbilical cord stem cells are
originally taken from has had tests to insure they are free of any disease or
infection. At the center in China they assured us they have been triple tested
and free from disease or infection.
Why are
stem cells important from a medical perspective? For
decades, researchers have been studying the biology of stem cells to figure out
how development works and to find new ways of treating health problems. Because
stem cells can give rise to any tissue found in the body, they provide nearly
limitless potential for medical applications. Current studies are researching
how stem cells may be used to prevent or cure diseases and injuries such as
Parkinson's disease, type 1 diabetes, heart disease, spinal cord injury,
Duchene's muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer's disease, strokes, burns,
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, vision, and hearing loss. Stem cells could
also be used someday to replace or repair tissue damaged by disease or injury.
What is
the FDA's position on Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells?
The FDA has approved the use of these cells for over 80 conditions.
Unfortunately, approval for many illnesses and conditions has been slow to come
which is why so many are opting to go outside the US for the treatment.
Are stem
cell transplants from cord blood safe?
Yes, in fact doctors have been using these types of stem cells for over 40
years. The National institute of Health (NIH) has stated that they have seen no
cases of cancer or other health issues in relation to this type of transplant.
What are
the side effects of Stem Cell Transfusions?
The side effects are very minimal. Most common is a slight elevation in
temperature lasting 12 to 24 hours. Some patients also experience mild to
moderate headaches. Many recipients also experience some level of fatigue for a
day or two.
Why the rush? Why not wait until it is available in the U.S.?
The younger the child is while receiving the treatments the better the results
seem to be. It is not known when they will have this treatment available, and
even then it may not be open for people with ONH. Alexis and T.J. could also adjust to
changes in her vision a lot easier now than when older.
How do we
know they work?
Since June 2006, there have been more than 100 children with ONH that have
undergone stem cell treatments and every child has had positive results, along
with other treated disabilities that have benefited.
How do they work?
Everybody has stem cells in their body. Stem cells are what heal a cut on your
hand. Once your body is injured your brain sends a signal for proteins to go to
that area. These stem cells have a particular protein strand that has the
ability to go to a specific area for vision.
*(thank you to
Hopeforhiltonfund.com
for the helpful FAQ's on STEM CELLS!)
