Reappraisal of in utero stem cell transplantation based on long-term results.

The therapeutic field of in utero transplantation of stem cells, into human fetuses, has developed since 1988 with the hope of improved probability of engraftment and tolerance, due to immune immaturity of the host. Fifteen years later, it is possible to evaluate the results that we and others have obtained in the treatment of several fetal diseases. Seven fetal patients have been treated in Lyon: In 2 cases, pregnancy termination was induced by the in utero injection; in the 5 other cases, engraftment was obtained and repeatedly documented with presence of donor HLA antigens and/or Y chromosome in recipients.

[Prenatal diagnosis of adenomatoid malformation of the lung. 5 cases and review of the literature].

The authors report five cases of adenomatoid malformation of the lung (AML) diagnosed in the antenatal period. Since 1977, when Stocker et al. published their classification of these malformations into three anatomical types, the ultrasonographic features have been well systematized, thereby enabling treatment to be modified according to the AML type.

Fetal liver transplantation: biology and clinical results.

Over the last 18 years, we have developed the transplantation of fetal liver cells to treat severe immunodeficiencies, hematological disorders and inborn errors of metabolism. Post-natally, this treatment is successful in two-third of patients and it is therefore very valuable, especially when there is no perfectly matched donor for a bone marrow transplant. Since 1988 we have carried out these fetal liver transplants (FLTs) in utero, immediately after prenatal diagnosis.

[Prenatal screening for cysts of choroid plexus. Evolution and interpretation of 30 cases].

The authors report thirty cases in which they diagnosed a cyst of the choroid plexus antenatally between the 18th and the 36th week of amenorrhoea (mean 21 weeks). Choroid plexus cysts show up in some pictures as round or oval cysts clearly visible in the region of the choroid plexus. They appear in the lateral cerebral ventricles.

In utero transplantation of stem cells in humans: technical aspects and clinical experience during pregnancy.

Four fetal patients have received fetal liver cell transplants in utero, at the fertilization ages of 12-28 weeks. Depending on the age, intraperitoneal injection or intravenous infusion into the umbilical vein was used, under ultrasonic guidance. In three of the four cases, engraftment has been obtained and has resulted in cure or significant improvement of the inherited disease.