Research Paper

Influence Of Fetal Predictors On The Quality Of Umbilical Cord Blood Haematopoietic Progenitor Stem Cells

Abstract :

Background: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) serves as a source of progenitor haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for transplant and is mainly used to treat blood disorders. The study of fetal factors (antepartum and intrapartum) affecting UCB quality (UCB volume, total nucleated cell count [TNCC] and CD34+ cell count) is imperative to optimize the yield of UCB. Aim: To study the influence of antenatal and intrapartum fetal factors on the quality of UCB haematopoietic progenitor stem cells (HPSC) (cord blood weight, CD34+ and TNCC) procured at delivery. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving all women who gave birth in a tertiary public hospital. Antepartum and intrapartum data obtained from the hospital were matched with the quality of UCB as determined by the National Blood Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Result: Neonatal birth weight has a significant impact on TNCC (p < 0.05). A weak, positive association was observed between placental weight and UCB volume, TNCC and CD34+ cell count (rs = 0.005, rs = 0.013, and rs = 0.085, respectively). Conversely, demographic data, gestational age, mode of delivery, gender, and race showed no significant association with the quality of UCB (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Neonatal birth weight is a strong predictor of the quality of UCB. Placental weight and UCB volume, TNCC and CD34+ cell count showed a weak positive correlation; thus, future studies conducted on a larger population are essential to explore other significant predictors to optimize UCB banking.

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