JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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In utero hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is currently in its early stage of development, but it holds considerable promise as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of a large number of congenital hematologic diseases. Experimental evidence supports the concept of the early gestational fetus as a favorable recipient for cellular therapy. Unique aspects of normal hematologic and immunologic ontogeny allow engraftment and long-term persistence of transplanted hematopoietic stem cells without the requirement for myeloablation or immunosuppression. ⋯ Parallel advances in prenatal diagnosis, fetal intervention, and hematopoietic stem cell technology have removed many of the practical, technical, and ethical obstacles to clinical application. This progress has been accompanied by an increase in the number of centers with both the stated interest and perceived expertise to develop clinical programs. However, there is currently limited consensus among investigators on many important issues, such as the mode or timing of in utero transplantation, the ideal source or dose of donor cells, estimation of maternal and fetal risks, appropriate candidate diseases for treatment, and important ethical considerations in counseling and therapy.
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Banking umbilical cord blood (UCB) to be used as a source of stem cells for transplantation is associated with a set of ethical issues. An examination of these issues is needed to inform public policy and to raise the awareness of prospective parents, clinicians, and investigators. ⋯ (1) Umbilical cord blood technology is promising although it has several investigational aspects; (2) during this investigational phase, secure linkage should be maintained of stored UCB to the identity of the donor; (3) UCB banking for autologous use is associated with even greater uncertainty than banking for allogeneic use; (4) marketing practices for UCB banking in the private sector need close attention; (5) more data are needed to ensure that recruitment for banking and use of UCB are equitable; and (6) the process of obtaining informed consent for collection of UCB should begin before labor and delivery.
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Patients with tuberculosis (TB) who are persistently nonadherent to treatment present a public health risk. In 1993, California created a new civil detention process and allowed detention of noninfectious but persistently nonadherent patients. ⋯ Further improvements in the care of persistently nonadherent patients may require more psychosocial services, appropriate facilities for civil detention, and detaining patients long enough to assure completion of treatment.