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Abu Dhabi: A nine-month-old baby girl has successfully undergone a bone marrow transplant at Abu Dhabi Hospital for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Afeefa Zahra Muhammad Iqbal, the fourth child born to a Pakistani couple in March 2022, began suffering from prolonged fever and complexion at the age of three months pale.
Muhammad Iqbal and Batur Zahra, who have lived in the UAE for the past 10 years with their baby Afeefa ) went to a hospital near his home in Ajman. An abnormal blood test prompted them to take her to Burjill Medical City. Further tests revealed that baby Afeefa had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that can progress rapidly if left untreated.
Dr Zainul Aabideen, Head of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and BMT and Burjeel Medical City, explained: “Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is one of the most common cancers in children but requires aggressive treatment. Once we have identified the disease, we will Further evaluation of the little guy’s bone marrow.”
“Advanced genetic testing has revealed that a high risk of a genetic mutation is causing this leukemia. According to international protocols, the only chance of a cure for her disease is through a bone marrow transplant, which replaces the patient’s bone marrow with healthy blood stem cells from a donor,” Aabideen Dr. added.
Baby Afeefa celebrates successful bone marrow transplant at hospital
Image Credit: Supplied
correct match
The medical team led by Dr. Aabideen performed HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) typing on baby Afeefa’s family and found her 8-year-old sister Nazia Zahra to be an exact match based on HLA antigens to ensure immune compatibility.
Despite her young age, Nazia loves to help her little sister. She said: “I was sad when the doctor told me my little sister was very ill. I was happy when my parents told me they could help her recover. I am a brave girl and I am not afraid. Afi Fa is like my twin sister now.”
Prof. Humaid Al Shamsi, Dr. Zainul and other members of the medical team are with baby Afeefa and his family at the hospital. BMC
Image Credit: Supplied
treatment solutions
Following UK CCLG protocol, the medical team continued chemotherapy to stabilize Afeefa and prepare her for surgery. After the highly advanced bone marrow transplant was performed at Burjeel Medical City on December 1, Afeefa underwent rigorous medical attention to monitor her body’s response to the new cells.
In the days following the operation, she experienced complications including seizures and a blood infection, which the medical team managed to manage. Soon, the little one’s health and prognosis steadily improved.
On December 19, neutrophil engraftment showed promising results. One month after the transplant, a chimera test, a specialized genetic-based test to see if the surgery was successful, was performed. The medical team was delighted to learn that baby Afeefa had 100% donor chimerism (meaning all her bone marrow cells came from her older sister).
run successfully
Professor Humaid Al Shamsi, Consultant and Director of Oncology Services, Burjeel, said: “The success of the bone marrow surgery in such a young patient brings hope to many more children who need this type of care. This program showcases our capabilities and expertise in bone marrow transplantation. We are proud of this new milestone and thank the authorities for their encouragement. “
thanks for the healing process
Baby Afeefa’s parents were incredibly relieved. Father Iqbal said: “After taking our children to the hospital for the first time in June, the life of the whole family changed in a few hours. Everything from the children’s education to our work was disrupted. After months of misery and pain, we now feel that a huge struggle is over. The treatment has been excellent and the entire medical team at Burjeel Medical City has been supportive. We feel at home in the hospital. I would also like to mention My wife, who watches our baby 24/7 and notifies the medical team of even the slightest change in her. Her commitment to Afeefa has also played a part in the recovery process.”
Dr. Mansi Sachdev, Consultant Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Burjeel Medical City, noted that the timing of a pediatric bone marrow transplant depends on the diagnosis.
Dr. Sachdev said: “The indications for bone marrow transplantation in pediatric patients are varied. The procedure can be performed in pediatric patients aged 1 month and older. Every transplant has its challenges and the indications are different. Since Afeefa is very young , her situation has been challenging, but we have overcome it together. She will continue to follow us in the clinic next year to make sure she is doing well.”
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