Father’s stem cells help rebuild toddler’s immune system after life-threatening infections.
Doctors in Abu Dhabi have successfully performed a life-saving bone marrow transplant on a 13-month-old child with a rare inherited immune disorder that left him highly vulnerable to severe infections.
Yas Clinic, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC), carried out the urgent procedure using stem cells donated by the child’s father after tests confirmed that no fully matched sibling donor was available.
The child experienced repeated and severe infections from his first months of life, resulting in several prolonged hospital stays. He also struggled to gain weight normally and developed a severe skin condition that caused widespread redness and persistent peeling.
Rare condition identified
Medical tests revealed that the child had a rare inherited immunodeficiency caused by a mutation in the RAG1 gene and associated with Omenn syndrome.
The disorder severely compromises the immune system, leaving patients highly vulnerable to serious and potentially life-threatening infections.
Doctors acted quickly after learning that the family had previously lost another child to a similar condition. The 13-month-old was referred to the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Programme for urgent treatment.
Tests found that both parents were half-matched potential donors. Given the severity of the child’s condition, doctors opted for a haploidentical bone marrow transplant using stem cells donated by his father.
Child shows major improvement
The transplant was successful, with doctors reporting successful engraftment and a gradual recovery of the child’s immune function.
His skin condition improved significantly, while the recurrent infections stopped and he was eventually discharged from hospital. He continues to recover and gain weight.
Dr Maysoon Al Karam, Chief Medical Officer at Yas Clinic, said the case demonstrated how specialised expertise and advanced medical treatments can significantly improve outcomes for children with rare disorders.
“Successfully treating a child with such a rare and complex immunological condition demonstrates our continued commitment to delivering the highest standards of care,” she said.
Early diagnosis is key
Dr Mansi Sachdev, Consultant Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation at ADSCC, said the severity of the child’s condition made urgent treatment essential.
She said early diagnosis, multidisciplinary collaboration and a bone marrow transplant using stem cells from the child’s father helped restore his immune system and gave him the opportunity to grow and lead a healthy life.
She added that the case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and specialised care for children with rare inherited immune disorders.
Yas Clinic and ADSCC provide treatment for blood disorders, immune deficiencies and rare genetic conditions through the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Programme.
