• Newborn Stem Cells May Play a New Role in Leukemia Treatment


• CDC Cautions Parents About Cold And Cough Meds For Infants

Mar. 07 - Newborn Stem Cells May Play a New Role in Leukemia Treatment
Three years ago, a three-year-old leukemia patient received a stem cell transplant from her own umbilical cord stem cells that had been collected and stored years ago at the time of her birth. While donated newborn stem cells have long been used to treat leukemia, this was the first patient to receive her own newborn stem cells to treat this blood cancer. Now a thriving and healthy six-year-old, doctors are pleased with the success of this treatment. Click here for the whole story.

Dr. Bob's Comments: I banked my third child's newborn stem cells five years ago. It's heartwarming to see how this family's foresight in deciding to save their daughter's newborn stem cells turned out to be a life-saving decision. Click here to read more about banking your baby's newborn stem cells.

Jan. 07 - CDC Cautions Parents About Cold And Cough Meds For Infants
A recent study showed that over a two-year period, 1500 babies were treated in ERs and 3 died due to bad reactions from cold or cough meds. They caution parents to consult their doctor before using these meds in infants under two years. The three infants who died all had extremely high blood levels of the decongestant pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient in over-the-counter cold meds. It isn’t known whether or not these infants were given doses too high, or if the meds built up in their system, even at appropriate infant doses. Availability of this particular decongestant has been restricted recently because of the potential to turn it into an abusive drug through home laboratory modifications (not something the basic parent could do). But it’s still available over the counter, without a prescription. Previous studies last year also reported some worries over cough suppressants in infants.

Dr. Bob comments: It has always been common practice for doctors to recommend cold and cough meds for infants younger than 2 years. We usually simply recommend giving ½ the dose suggested on the packaging for older kids, ages 2 to 6. However, the FDA and CDC now warn that not enough testing has been done to be able to recommend this type of practice anymore. Until this is straightened out, we suggest parents consult their doctor before giving cold or cough meds to an infant under two year. We hope to have more information in the coming months on this.

Dr. Bob – Jan. 07