Researchers in Spain have developed a prototype that appears particularly advanced, following disappointments after other types of experiments in various parts of the world. Positive results, for now, on animals
When a baby is born extremely prematurely, at about six months of pregnancy, and manages to survive, the risk of of complications and developmental anomalies is high, despite neonatology having made very significant advances in recent decades.
To protect premature infants, the BCNatal (a cutting edge medical centre set up by the Hospital Clinic and Sant Joan de Déu, two renowned university hospitals in Barcelona), launched a project called Artificial Placenta which, after two and a half years of preliminary research, led to the creation of an artificial placenta.
In this “machine”, a lamb foetus was kept alive and in good health for 12 days.
The first prototype, according to the Reuters news agency, and as can be seen in a specially made video, consists of a translucent membrane made of biocompatible material, connected to an amniotic fluid perfusion system. This keeps the foetus in an environment that protects it from external stimuli, yet is sufficiently transparent to enable constant monitoring and ultrasound scanning. Another important feature is a system enabling extracorporeal blood circulation by exchanging oxygenated nutrients and blood for blood containing cellular waste ready for disposal: the system functions in a very similar way to the umbilical cord. In addition, thanks to the assistance of bioengineers, the artificial placenta contains a non-invasive device able to continuously measure numerous parameters.
When a baby is born extremely prematurely, at about six months of pregnancy, and manages to survive, the risk of
To protect premature infants, the BCNatal (a cutting edge medical centre set up by the Hospital Clinic and Sant Joan de Déu, two renowned university hospitals in Barcelona), launched a project called
In this “machine”, a lamb foetus was kept alive and in good health for
The first prototype, according to the Reuters news agency, and as can be seen in a specially made video, consists of a
A particular emphasis on diet
This particular placenta was designed with the help of nutrition experts and doctors, who have established nutrition protocols and envisaged - in view of future human trials - the treatments to be administered during growth, as well as in critical situations.
Lastly, surgical procedures have also been designed to transfer the newly born premature infant to the artificial placenta, introducing the artificial umbilical cord, and safely immersing it in the amniotic fluid.
Green light given by specialists from five countries
Alternative: Green light given by neonatology specialists from five countries After completing the first stage of animal testing, the results were submitted to neonatology specialists from five countries and passed all their tests. This convinced the Caixa Foundation, which has so far provided €3.3 million to finance the project, to give a further €4.3 million to fund the next stage as well (also on animals), which should continue until 2026. Only if the results of these tests are also positive will the artificial placenta be considered for assisting extremely premature babies.
The Spanish prototype followed other attempts, announced in recent years, by research groups in various countries, none of which ever managed to develop a complete artificial placenta. The “machine” developed in Barcelona seems far more advanced and promising. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 900,000 premature babies die each year worldwide: a system to help them develop as if they were still in the uterus could revolutionise the whole field of neonatology for extremely premature infants.
