We have always been told there was NO CURE for ONH. Recently while doing research we came across www.stemcellschina.com and www.beikebiotech.com. We are EXCITED about the Stem Cell Treatments that ONH patients have received with miraculous results. The treatment includes 4-6 stem cell transfers of 10-15 million stem cells over a period of 20 to 30 days with rehabilitation of 6 days per week. The stem cells are transfused intravenously via blood stream and through spinal injections. With each stem cell transplant, they also give the patient a transfusion of "Neural Growth Factors" to encourage the stem cells to find their targets and transform into new neurons. There is a 90% success rate with ONH children for improved vision from Stell Cell Treatments. Unfortunately, there are no medical facilities within the United States that offer this type of treatment. Umbilical stem cells from a healthy, live birth will be used for this treatment.
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 stem cells?
They are basic building blocks of the human body that are able to transform into blood, organs, tissue, and components of the immune system. Stem cells reproduce and differentiate into many other cell types, including but not limited to; bone, heart, muscle and nerve.
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 FDAʼs 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 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 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 the U.S. will have this treatment available, and even then it may not be open for people with ONH. Ty could also grow up using his vision instead of having to adjust the way he would if he were older.
How do we know they work?
Since June 2006, there have been more than 40 children with ONH that have undergone stem cell transfusions and every child has had positive results, along with other treated disabilities that have benefited.
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 stem cells?
They are basic building blocks of the human body that are able to transform into blood, organs, tissue, and components of the immune system. Stem cells reproduce and differentiate into many other cell types, including but not limited to; bone, heart, muscle and nerve.
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 FDAʼs 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 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 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 the U.S. will have this treatment available, and even then it may not be open for people with ONH. Ty could also grow up using his vision instead of having to adjust the way he would if he were older.
How do we know they work?
Since June 2006, there have been more than 40 children with ONH that have undergone stem cell transfusions and every child has had positive results, along with other treated disabilities that have benefited.