OTHER BIOLOGICS

Amniotic and Umbilical Cord Tissues

There are many tissues and biologic products derived from the human body that we now know have incredible healing potential and anti-inflammatory properties. Most of these properties come from growth factors, cytokines and proteins that are normally secreted from these tissues during specific times of stress. Although we don't necessarily think of pregnancy as a time of stress, the body actually does. Thus, it has developed an elegant way to deal with it by creating a biologic barrier surrounding the baby so that everything goes well. That barrier consists of the placenta, the amniotic membrane, amniotic fluid and the umbilical cord, which is the lifeline across that barrier to the mother. This placenta-amniotic membrane complex is one of the most beautifully designed and mysterious entities in all of nature. 

Normally, all this bioactive tissue is discarded upon delivery of the baby, with the exception of occasional umbilical cord blood collection. However, several innovative companies have now figured out a way to save this precious tissue and process it in a sterile way that preserves the most important elements needed for healing and fighting inflammation. This is a very safe and ethical process in which healthy human birth tissues would otherwise be thrown away and wasted. Note, because of the intense sterilization and manufacturing process required to produce them, these products do not contain any viable stem cells of significance. That said, they can still have great therapeutic value when administered correctly. As with most biologics, these products fall under FDA guidance, 21 CFR Part 1270 and 1271, regarding recipients of 361 Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products.

These biologics can be delivered through a simple ultrasound-guided injection and act as a matrix or scaffold for the healing process. We are far from completely understanding how everything works, but currently it seems that all the growth factors, cytokines and proteins captured in these biologic tissues enhance the body's own healing process, including recruiting our own stem cells to the area under stress. Much more research needs to be performed before we will know for sure, however, there are some very encouraging results in many patients who have received injections with these biologic tissue products and ongoing research continues to take place.

At this time, some of these products are very expensive and may not have great advantage over other biologic therapies, however when appropriate we offer these products as just one of the tools in our box that could help you recover faster from a condition or injury. It is really a matter of what we both decide together is right for you. 

SCHEDULE a REGENERATIVE MEDICINE APPOINTMENt with Dr. Reiss:  

(435) 200-3452