Spina bifida is potentially deadly when untreated. A new review of two different studies reveals the most effective method in using regenerative patches to treat spina bifida using human umbilical cords.

The diagnosis of spina bifida correlates with the need of in-utero surgery to place a shunt to reduce chances of hydrocephalus. However, not every child benefits from the surgery and failure can lead to additional complications. A review of two studies, “Cryopreserved Human Umbilical Cord (HUC) vs Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) for In-Utero Spina Bifida Repair” and “Conventional vs cryopreserved human umbilical cord (HUC) patch based on repair for in-utero spina bifida in a sheep model," hopes to identify the most effective material for regenerative patches to treat spina bifida.

The first study compared the cryopreserved human umbilical cord patch to acellular dermal matrix, which is commonly used in a clinical setting in pregnant rats. Results showed the cryopreserved human umbilical cord patch was more effective in reducing acute inflammation and cell death, while also increasing cellular migration when compare to acellular dermal matrix

The second study compared a cryopreserved human umbilical cord patch with the conventional method of closing with sutures on pregnant sheep. Results showed that the cryopreserved human umbilical cord was able to improve spinal cord function while also decreasing scar formation.

"The unmet clinical need in in-utero spina bifida repair is the optimal closure method to reduce the ongoing damage to the spinal cord from inflammation and scar formation and to promote continued fetal spinal cord development. Based on the safety and efficacy of the cryopreserved human umbilical cord patch for in-utero spina bifida in pregnant rats and sheep, we have performed four cases of in-utero human repair under FDA approval. The early results have been promising, and the studies are ongoing to evaluate the long-term benefits in these patients. We believe that this is an initial step toward a safe and minimally invasive in-utero spina bifida repair," said Ramesha Papanna, MD, MPH, the principal investigator of the projects at the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital and McGovern Medical School at UTHealth in Texas.