The study
Reticell is a randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the effect of umbilical cord blood transfusion on the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants.
01 What are the objectives?
The main objective is to evaluate the impact of autologous umbilical cord blood transfusion in preventing retinopathy of prematurity.
02 Why?
Retinopathy of prematurity is an ocular complication that affects premature newborns. Newborn cord blood contains a high concentration of fetal hemoglobin. Fetal hemoglobin is known to play a crucial role in preventing retinopathy of prematurity. Preliminary results suggest that cord blood transfusions may play a role in preventing this disease. This trial seeks to provide solid evidence on this.
03 When?
The safety and feasibility study phase was completed in December 2023. The main phase of the trial began in 2024 and is expected to last for approximately 3 years.
04 Where?
The trial will be conducted in multiple Neonatal Units in Spain with experience in the care of premature newborns.
05 Team
The study is led by the Perinatology Research Group at the La Fe Health Research Institute and the La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital. The Perinatology Research Group, founded in 2005 and with extensive research experience, is composed of neonatologists, biologists, chemists, pharmacists, nurses, and psychologists. The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the La Fe Hospital and by the National Transplant Organization (ONT). Additionally, it is supported by ONCE (National Organization of Spanish Blind People) and AVAPREM (Valencian Association of Mothers and Fathers of Premature Children).
06 Expected impact
The relevance of the trial is based on the need to address retinopathy of prematurity, a severe ocular complication common in extremely premature infants, for which there is currently no effective treatment. Additionally, this trial could initiate a paradigm shift in transfusion practices, using neonatal blood for neonatal patients whose condition differs significantly from adult patients, thereby improving the quality of care and clinical outcomes for these patients.
In collaboration with:
