Pioneering Bone Marrow Transplant Saves Young Patient at Yas Clinic and Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center

Seven-Year-Old UAE Girl Overcomes Rare Genetic Disease Through Life-Saving Bone Marrow Transplant

A groundbreaking medical collaboration between Yas Clinic - Khalifa City and the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center has successfully saved the life of seven-year-old Emirati girl Mahra Al Balushi through a complex bone marrow transplant. The procedure treated a rare genetic condition called ITK deficiency, marking a significant milestone in the UAE's advancing pediatric healthcare capabilities and highlighting the critical role of family donors in life-saving treatments.

A Race Against Time: Understanding ITK Deficiency

ITK deficiency is an extremely rare inherited immunodeficiency disorder that severely compromises the immune system's ability to fight infections. For young Mahra, this genetic condition manifested as recurrent, severe infections that progressively weakened her small body.

The most dangerous complication came when she contracted the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which attacked both her lungs and digestive system. EBV, while typically manageable in healthy individuals, can become life-threatening for patients with compromised immune systems like those with ITK deficiency.

When Standard Treatment Fails

Medical evaluations revealed that conventional treatments would be insufficient to address Mahra's condition. The only viable solution was a bone marrow transplant—a procedure that would essentially rebuild her entire immune system from scratch.

The Perfect Match Within the Family

In a fortunate turn of events, compatibility testing revealed that Mahra's older sister was an ideal donor match. This discovery was crucial, as finding compatible bone marrow donors can be extraordinarily challenging, particularly within specific ethnic populations where donor registries may be limited.

Sibling matches offer several advantages over unrelated donors, including better tissue compatibility and reduced risk of graft-versus-host disease, where the transplanted cells attack the recipient's body.

Multidisciplinary Medical Approach

The treatment required coordination between multiple medical specialties, including transplant physicians, pulmonologists, psychiatrists, and specialized nursing staff. This comprehensive approach reflects modern medicine's understanding that complex procedures like bone marrow transplants affect patients physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

UAE's Growing Medical Excellence

This successful procedure underscores the UAE's rapid advancement in specialized healthcare services. The collaboration between Yas Clinic and the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center demonstrates how the country is building world-class medical infrastructure capable of handling complex cases that previously required treatment abroad.

Dr. Maysoon Al Karam, Executive Director of Medical Affairs at Yas Clinic, emphasized that this achievement represents both exceptional medical and humanitarian progress. The success reflects not only medical innovation but also the resilience of a young patient who inspired her entire medical team.

Implications for Regional Healthcare

The UAE's investment in stem cell research and transplant capabilities positions it as a regional leader in advanced medical treatments. This case demonstrates the country's ability to treat rare genetic disorders locally, reducing the need for medical tourism and providing hope for other families facing similar challenges.

A Sweet Celebration of Recovery

In recognition of Mahra's remarkable recovery and entrepreneurial spirit, Yas Clinic created a special corner for her small business project "Cloud Nine," selling ice cream and matcha tea on the hospital's ground floor. This gesture celebrates not just her medical recovery but also her determination to pursue her passions despite her health challenges.

The initiative serves as a powerful symbol of how young patients can maintain hope and ambition even during the most difficult medical journeys, inspiring other children and families facing similar battles.

Looking Forward: Hope for Rare Disease Patients

Mahra's successful treatment offers encouragement for families dealing with rare genetic disorders throughout the region. As the UAE continues developing its medical capabilities and stem cell research programs, more patients may find life-saving treatments closer to home.

The collaboration between Yas Clinic and the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center signals the country's commitment to advancing healthcare innovation while maintaining the human touch that makes medical miracles possible.