A groundbreaking study suggests that stem cell therapy performed on babies before birth could reverse severe complications caused by spina bifida. Surgeons successfully implanted stem cells into the fetal spine during pregnancy, raising hopes for long-term improvements in children born with the condition.

What is spina bifida?

Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when a baby’s spine does not fully develop in the womb. The condition is typically diagnosed during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

Doctors say the defect can lead to serious complications, including mobility issues and neurological problems.

Medical experts classify spina bifida into two main types:

Open spina bifida, which includes myelomeningocele and meningocele
Closed spina bifida

Open spina bifida is less common but considered more severe. In such cases, the spinal cord protrudes through an opening in the spinal canal.

Children born with this condition may experience several health challenges, including difficulty walking or paralysis, loss of sensation in the legs, and problems with bladder or bowel control.

Other complications may include spinal curvature and fluid buildup in the brain, which can lead to learning disabilities.

Stem cells used during fetal surgery

In the new study conducted in California, surgeons explored a new approach by combining traditional fetal surgery with stem cell therapy.

The trial involved six pregnant women, each between 24 and 25 weeks of pregnancy.

All the unborn babies had been diagnosed with myelomeningocele, the most serious form of open spina bifida. The fetuses also showed hindbrain herniation, a brain structure defect commonly linked with the condition.

All six patients underwent fetal surgery to repair the spinal defect.

During the procedure, surgeons added an extra step by injecting stem cells directly into the spinal cord.

The stem cells used in the treatment were obtained from donated placentas, a source researchers believe could help repair damaged tissue.

Birth outcomes from study

The women gave birth between July 2021 and December 2022.

Researchers reported promising results for all six babies.

After birth, doctors found that the babies had intact spinal cords with no signs of infection or abnormal tissue growth.

MRI scans conducted after birth revealed another encouraging outcome.

The scans showed that hindbrain herniation had completely resolved, and the babies’ brains had returned to a normal structure.

Researchers say these findings suggest the stem cell treatment may have played a role in repairing damage linked to spina bifida.

Experts involved in the study believe stem cell therapy performed during pregnancy could potentially change how doctors treat spina bifida in the future.

They say the approach may help address neurological damage earlier, before birth, when the body is still developing.

Researchers are hopeful that the treatment could have lifelong benefits for children born with the condition.

However, further research and larger clinical trials will likely be needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the therapy.