Veldhoven doctor suspected of illegal cord blood transfusions on 200 foreign children
A Veldhoven-based anesthesiologist allegedly administered illegal experimental umbilical cord blood transfusions to more than 200 foreign children, most diagnosed with autism, in hotel rooms over the past two years, Dutch health authorities said. The treatments were performed without proper authorization and are now under investigation by the Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ).
The transfusions allegedly aimed to treat autism and, in a smaller number of cases, cerebral palsy. The children received donor umbilical cord blood sourced from a Slovakian blood bank, transported frozen to the Netherlands. The doctor, Jens Fischer de Brabander, does not hold the required permits for this therapy. The IGJ has prohibited him from performing any further cord blood transfusions.
Inspectors visited Fischer de Brabander’s home in December 2024 following a tip. They reviewed files and interviewed the doctor. Most of the children treated in 2023 and 2024 were from abroad, and the procedures were conducted in partnership with the Swiss company Cord Blood Center Health (CBC).
Fischer de Brabander claimed he observed improvements in some children, including reduced celiac disease symptoms and enhanced mathematical abilities in one patient. These results were subjective, based on reports from patients or their parents.
Experts warn that stem cell therapies carry significant risks and are normally conducted in hospitals to ensure proper monitoring. Fischer de Brabander admitted to inspectors that no hospitals in the region were prepared to provide follow-up care if complications arose.
He referenced a study from Duke University, but researchers found no convincing evidence that a single umbilical cord blood injection improves social skills or reduces autism symptoms. The study concluded that “more research is needed.”
