Yas Clinic, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC), has saved the life of a 13-month-old child suffering from a rare and severe inherited immune disorder through an urgent bone marrow transplant from his father.

This marks another milestone in the UAE's advancement in bone marrow transplantation and specialised treatment for rare paediatric immune disorders, a statement said.

From the first months of his life, the child experienced recurrent and severe infections that resulted in multiple prolonged hospital admissions. He was also unable to gain weight normally and suffered from a severe skin condition characterized by widespread redness and continuous peeling, giving his skin an appearance similar to that seen in severe burn cases.

Further medical investigations revealed that the child was affected by a rare inherited immunodeficiency caused by a homozygous mutation in the RAG1 gene and associated with Omenn Syndrome, a rare condition that severely impairs the immune system and leaves patients highly vulnerable to life-threatening infections.

The family's medical history, which included the loss of a sibling due to a similar condition, accelerated the diagnostic and evaluation process. The child was subsequently referred to the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Program (AD-BMT©) for urgent treatment.

Following comprehensive donor testing, no fully matched sibling donor was available. Tissue matching studies showed that both parents were half-matched donors. Given the urgency of the child's condition and the high risk posed by ongoing infections, the multidisciplinary team proceeded with a haploidentical bone marrow transplant using stem cells donated by his father.

The transplant was successful, with results showing successful engraftment, gradual restoration of immune function, and significant clinical improvement. The child's skin condition improved remarkably, recurrent infections resolved, and he was discharged from the hospital while continuing to recover and gain weight.

Dr Maysoon Al Karam, Chief Medical Officer at Yas Clinic, said: "This case reflects the true impact of advanced healthcare when specialized medical expertise is combined with cutting-edge treatment capabilities. Successfully treating a child with such a rare and complex immunological condition demonstrates our continued commitment to delivering the highest standards of care and further reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a regional center of excellence in medical innovation and advanced healthcare."

She added: "This case highlights the advanced capabilities of the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Program in managing complex and critical conditions through highly specialized care, multidisciplinary expertise, and treatment protocols aligned with international best practices."

Dr Mansi Sachdev, Consultant Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation at Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC), said: "When the child arrived at our center, he was suffering from a severe immunodeficiency that left him vulnerable to life-threatening infections. Given the nature of the disease and the family's medical history, urgent intervention was critical. Through accurate diagnosis, close multidisciplinary collaboration, and a bone marrow transplant from his father, we were able to rebuild his immune system and give him the opportunity to grow and live a healthy life."

She added: "Cases like this highlight the importance of early diagnosis and specialized treatment for rare inherited immune disorders. We are proud of the outcomes being achieved through our Bone Marrow Transplant Program and our ability to provide advanced treatment options for children with complex conditions here in the UAE."

Yas Clinic and ADSCC continue to provide advanced treatment solutions for patients with blood disorders, immune deficiencies, and rare genetic diseases through the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Program, one of the region's leading programs in bone marrow transplantation and advanced cellular therapies.

Together, Yas Clinic and ADSCC continue to contribute to strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a regional hub for medical innovation by providing advanced treatments and highly specialized healthcare services in line with the highest international standards. - TradeArabia News Service