Australian researchers discover potential lifeline for premature babies

Australian researchers have discovered a potential new lifeline for the tiniest and most vulnerable newborns. Scientists at Monash Children's Hospital have successfully collected and reinfused umbilical cord blood cells in extremely premature babies, offering a glimmer of hope for preventing brain injuries.

This pioneering Australian research, undertaken by a collaboration of Monash Health’s Monash Children’s Hospital, The School of Clinical Sciences at Monash University, and Hudson Institute of Medical Research, has successfully demonstrated the feasibility and safety of using a baby's own cord blood-derived cells as a potential treatment for extremely preterm infants.

Published in the Lancet journal eBioMedicine, this breakthrough offers new possibilities for the more than 3000 very preterm infants born in Australia each year before 32 weeks' gestation.

A delicate process

The Cord-Safe Study focused on infants born before 28 weeks of pregnancy - babies so small they could fit in the palm of your hand. Collecting cord blood from extremely preterm infants is no small feat. With smaller placentas, minimal blood volumes, and complex delivery circumstances, researchers face significant challenges in gathering these precious cells.

Despite these obstacles, the team managed to successfully collect and process cord blood cells from approximately 70 percent of the extremely premature infants enrolled in the study.

Importantly, the study showed that 23 extremely preterm infants received cord blood-derived cell infusions with no serious adverse events reported, confirming that the procedure is safe and tolerable in this vulnerable population.

This world-first phase-1 clinical trial has now demonstrated that umbilical cord blood derived cell (UCBC) collection and reinfusion is not only feasible but also well-tolerated in these vulnerable babies.

Why it matters

Premature babies are at high risk of brain injuries that can lead to lifelong challenges like cerebral palsy. By using their own cord blood cells, researchers believe they might be able to provide a natural "protective shield" for these vulnerable infants' developing brains.

This research represents an exciting development in neonatal care. For the first time, we're exploring how a baby's own cord blood cells might be used therapeutically in extremely preterm infants, offering a potential treatment option where previously there were limited alternatives."

Dr Lindsay Zhou, Neonatologist and study lead author, Monash Children's Hospital

The study builds on substantial preclinical evidence showing that umbilical cord blood-derived cells can be neuroprotective for the preterm brain. These cells have demonstrated multiple beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and protective mechanisms for the developing brain.

Looking ahead

The success of this feasibility study paves the way for larger international trials. As cell therapies are increasingly being evaluated for neuroprotection and neuroregeneration in young children, this research positions Australia at the forefront of innovative neonatal care.

The project’s lead researcher, Associate Professor Atul Malhotra said this breakthrough offered a beacon of hope for parents and medical professionals dealing with the complex challenges of extremely premature birth, potentially changing the landscape of neonatal care for generations to come.

"The Cord-Safe Study represents a crucial step in exploring how we can use a baby's own cord blood to improve outcomes," Associate Professor Malhotra said. "By forming the basis for an international randomized controlled trial, this study highlights Australia's leadership in developing innovative treatments in neonatal care."