title: In utero haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: current perspectives and future potential.
abstract: In utero transplantation (IUT) of haematopoietic cells is a new therapeutic option for families with increased risk of having a child with an inherited disorder. Immunological naiveté and the rapidly expanding haematopoietic system in the first trimester human fetus, make therapeutic intervention by IUT a real possibility for those disorders which can be diagnosed early in gestation. Fewer cells are required than in postnatal BMT and therapy can be offered before the pathological sequelae of a disorder become manifested. However, only a few cases of IUT have been performed in humans and it is imperative that consensus is reached quickly on issues such as cell numbers/cell types so that the benefits of this approach to treatment can be realised. This review presents the current status of IUT, the cases thus far recorded and offers a prospective view of developments in this rapidly expanding area.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, University Hospital Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: T H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Bui
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ek
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ringdén
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Westgren
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D014599:Uterus