NEWBORN TRANSPLANT PROCESS - Baby Steps...

Before the Baby is Born - 37 Weeks Gestation

• It has been suggested that induction of labor at around 37 weeks gestation is better for ensuring the transplant occurs prior to any damage caused by Krabbe Disease (especially for the infantile form of Krabbe, which our darling daughter Chloe had as well her brother or sister on the way).  With Krabbe babies the disease can sometimes have subtle affects at birth which can affect feeding and motor skills. Therefore, the sooner the life-saving transplant is done the better.

• Early induction should be thoroughly discussed with your obstetrician, transplant physician, perinatologist and neonatologist.  They will look at your pregnancy and birthing history and weigh all of the risks/benefits to early induction.

• Following an evaluation of my history, our medical team has given the thumbs up for an early induction (at the end of August 2005).  I had a great natural birth with Chloe and she was a beautiful size at 8lbs 5oz, and I am hoping that all goes well with our new little one.  Chloe was such a perfect beautiful newborn, I can remember the moment she entered this world like no other. How precious she was, how magical the time.

• Evaluation of your baby will occur shortly after birth and will include (MRI with tensor weighted diffusion imaging, EEG, BAER, VEP, opthamology exam, nerve conduction studies, echocardiogram, chest x-ray, crying vatal capacity and blood tests).

• Also, two central lines will placed in the baby's chest by a pediatric surgeon under general anesthesia, as well as a spinal tap to check protein levels.

• More cuddles, closeness, kisses and LOVE.

• Preparation before a stem cell transplant includes destroying cells and suppressing the immune system through chemotherapy.

• Chemotherapy should be started within the first seven - ten days following birth and will last for about a week to two weeks.

• When the baby has finished a week of chemotherpy, it is time for the cord blood transplant.  The actual transplant is not what you would expect, no surgery or invasive procedure takes places.  The donor cord blood is placed in a IV bag - 'Bag of Life' - and this blood is delivered to your baby through an IV just like a blood transfusion.

• Once in the baby's bloodstream, the stem cells find their way to the bone marrow and begin producing new blood cells (called engraftment) and begins to grow and produce blood products.

• During this process, your baby will be in isolation and given antibiotics to prevent infection.

• Either mommy or daddy will be able to be with baby every step of the way, an extra bed will be set up beside baby's bed to ensure closeness and connectedness to aid in the healing process.

• I know that once I lay eyes on our sweet baby and hold their precious life in my hands, I will never ever want to let them go.  Ohhhhhh, I absolutely can't wait!
  

Engraftment - "Grow Cells Grow"

• After entering the bloodstream, the stem cells travel to the bone marrow, where they begin to produce new white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in a process known as 'engraftment'.

• This is when we will ask all of our family and friends to wish, hope and pray for the baby's cells to "GROW! GROW! GROW".

 Click on the Butterfly to Learn about the Process for Going Home...