Artificial uterus increases the chances of survival for premature babies

American scientists develop an artificial uterus that can help premature babies survive the mother's womb.

Premature sheep develop in artificial wombs.

Artificial uterine devices have been successfully tested by US scientists in young sheep and may soon be tested in seriously ill babies within the next 3-5 years, Seeker reported yesterday.

The scientists stressed the device was not designed to end early pregnancy, but simply to provide a safe environment for premature babies . Unlike traditional incubators, this biological bag system simulates intrauterine conditions.

The baby is surrounded by fluid similar to the normal amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus, allowing the baby to breathe through the umbilical cord as inside the womb. In a traditional incubator, the fetus breathes through tiny lungs that are not fully developed. But lung infections are quite common problems, the cause of death in premature babies. The new system helps prevent this risk. Liquid medium is also easier to maintain sterile conditions than incubators.

Only one in three premature babies at week 23 in the UK have a chance of surviving and these children have a 90% chance of developing chronic lung disease or other effects when their internal organs are not fully developed. enough. The new system aims to increase the likelihood of healthy development for premature babies.

" Our system can prevent the onset of illness that premature babies suffer by bringing unprecedented medical technology ," said Dr. Alan Flake, director of the Center for Fetal Research at Children's Hospital Philadelphia, USA, share.

" Premature babies have an urgent need for a bridge between the womb of the mother and the outside world. If we develop an uterine-like system that supports the development and perfection of internal organs For a few weeks, we can significantly improve the future for premature babies, which is superior to the current equipment in hospitals, which creates a new standard of care for babies. preterm birth, " said Dr. Flake.

Six premature sheep were used to test the latest version of the device, which was developed from bio-glass to biologically viable for three years. Animals that breathe and swallow normally, open their eyes, grow hair and develop the nervous system as well as complete internal organs, according to research results published in Nature Communication. Sheep are in an artificial uterus for a month.

Most of the lambs were killed to collect samples to analyze the brain, lungs and other organs while a few were given bottles to feed on. " They seem to grow normally in every way , " concluded Dr. Flake.

According to Dr. Flake, no technology can replace the mother's uterus in the early stages of pregnancy. " This study is not intended to replace the uterus in the first half of pregnancy. It aims to develop new ways to treat premature babies. Researchers support the fetus for premature birth within the fluid bag, where the fetus pumps blood through the placenta artificially , "said Professor Colin Duncan of Edinburgh University.

There are significant differences between newborn and newborn sheep. For example, sheep grow faster, only 5 months to complete the body, compared to 8 months in humans. In addition, sheep are about three times larger than babies.