Stem Cells Overview: The Growing Importance of Fetal Tissue

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Click here to complete the posttest and obtain a CE certificate online

 

STATEMENT OF NEED

With more than 4 million women giving birth in the United States every year, approximately 3% or 120,000 babies are born each year with various birth defects. Many of these problems are detected prenatally, with the use of a variety of screening and diagnostic tests. As people age, they are at increased risk for chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, or cancer. Researchers are now finding ways to potentially treat many such conditions with different types of stem cells. Knowing which stem cells can be preserved during pregnancy is therefore important for those treating expecting parents. It is also important that those who provide healthcare for women are aware of the increasing role of fetal tissue in regenerative medicine and the potential applications of stem cells collected during pregnancy.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Nurses whose primary interest is women’s health and infertility.
 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this activity, the reader should be able to:

  • Discuss the definition and main characteristics of stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells, such as pluripotency, proliferation, and genetic stability
  • Describe the difference between stem cells derived from embryonic cells, amniotic fluid, cord blood cells, and adult tissue
  • Review the role of stem cells in regenerative medicine
  • Understand the potential applications of stem cells collected during pregnancy

CONTINUING NURSING EDUCATION ACCREDITATION AND CONTACT HOURS STATEMENT

Science Care is approved by the California Board of Reg i stered Nursing, Provider number 15559, for 1.0 contact hour.
 

METHOD OF PARTICIPATION

1. Read the article in its entirety

2. Go to www.theobgynnurse.com

3. Select “Continuing Education”

4. Click on this article’s title from the list shown

5. Select “Click here to complete the posttest and obtain a CE certificate online”

6. Complete and submit the CE posttest and CE activity evaluation

7. Print your Certificate of Credit This activity is provided free of charge to participants.

FACULTY DISCLOSURES

As a provider accredited by the California Board of Reg istered Nursing, Science Care must ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all its activities. All course directors, faculty, planners, and any other individual in a position to control the content of this educational activity are required to disclose to the audience any relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest. Science Care must determine if the faculty’s relationships may influence the educational content with regard to exposition or conclusion and resolve any conflicts of interest prior to the commencement of the educational activity. Disclosures are as follows:

  • Kate Torchilin, PhD, MBA, has nothing to disclose.
  • Dalia Buffery, MA, ABD, has nothing to disclose.
  • The staff members of Science Care have nothing to disclose.

DISCLAIMER

The opinions and recommendations expressed by faculty, authors, and other experts whose input is included in this program are their own and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Science Care or Novellus Healthcare Communications, LLC.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
Copyright © 2011 Science Care. All rights reserved.

EDITORIAL BOARD

Kate Torchilin, PhD, MBA
Chief Executive Officer Biocell Center Corp.
200 Boston Ave, Suite 1550
Medford, MA 02155

Debra Moynihan, WHNP-BC, MSN
Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health
Clinical Director, Carolina OB/GYN
242 Willow Bay Drive Murrells Inlet,
SC 29576