The procedure aimed to replace the defective immune cells with healthy ones, offering a renewed chance at a healthy and vibrant life.
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In an extraordinary medical achievement, doctors in the Department of Hematology & Stem Cell Transplantation at the Army Hospital R&R in Delhi Cantt. have for the first time successfully conducted a life-saving Bone Marrow Transplant (commonly known as BMT) for a child diagnosed with a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder. To subscribe please click tau.id/2iy6f and access our live channel.
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The Case
The 7 years old son of Sepoy Pradip Paudel, Sushant was diagnosed with ARPC1b, a very rare form of immunodeficiency at one year of age, a condition that severely compromised his immune system making him prone to repeated life-threatening infections and other complications.
The patient was referred to the Army Hospital (R&R) six months back but did not have a HLA matched sibling donor. The Hematology team at the Hospital, embarked on an arduous journey to find a suitable donor and orchestrate a meticulously planned bone marrow transplant.
The Matched Unrelated Donor (MUD) transplant, carried out on 30 Nov 23, involved harvesting healthy stem cells from an HLA compatible donor, which in this case was a voluntary unrelated donor and infusing them into Sushant Paudel’s bloodstream, after his own defective cells were destroyed by a very high dose of chemotherapy.
What is Bone Marrow Transplant?
A bone marrow transplant in India is a procedure that replaces unhealthy blood-forming cells with fresh, healthy ones. These cells, known as blood stem cells, are located in the soft tissue of the bone marrow. As they mature, they migrate from the bone marrow into the bloodstream, where they develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
By exchanging the sick cells with healthy ones, a BMT can help the body to fight off diseases and restore its normal functioning. bone marrow is home to an incredible production line. From the hematopoietic stem cells, a wide range of cells are produced. These cells can transform into different types of blood cells found in your body, such as red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells.
Doctors’ Words
Senior Advisor in the Hematology department Col Rajiv Kumar said, “Only 1 in 5 patients have a sibling with a full HLA match. The availability of HLA matched Unrelated donor stem cells, sourced in this patient from DATRI, is truly a game changer for such patients suffering from a life-threatening immunodeficiency disorder.”
After the successful transplant, the Commandant at AHRR Lt Gen Ajith Nilakantan said, “It’s a moment of great pride and satisfaction for the entire medical fraternity at AHRR and this patient is a success story due to a team effort.”
The successful bone marrow transplant not only brings hope to Sushant and his family but also serves as a beacon of hope for countless others grappling with rare primary immunodeficiencies and other such disorders that are curable with a timely Bone Marrow Transplant.
