Fortis Hospital Gurgaon has achieved a remarkable feat in medical science by successfully treating a 14-month-old infant from Kenya diagnosed with Pearson syndrome. The baby, named Arianna, faced severe health complications, but after receiving stem cell therapy, her prognosis for a better quality of life has significantly improved.
What is Pearson syndrome?
Pearson syndrome, also known as Pearson’s mucopolysaccharidosis type I, is a rare genetic disorder mostly observed in children. This condition is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A, which leads to the accumulation of toxic products in the body. This accumulation has been known to cause some life-threatening problems, such as liver disorders, heart disorders, bone disorders, respiratory disorders, and stunted growth.
Patient’s Successful Treatment Journey
Arianna, who was born in Kenya, was diagnosed with Pearson syndrome when she was just a young age. The condition had severely affected her growth and development, leaving her with respiratory difficulties and delays in cognitive milestones. The infant’s parents sought specialized treatment for their daughter, but finding a compatible donor was challenging due to the rarity of the disease.
Fortis Hospital Gurgaon, led by Dr. Vikas Dua, was determined to find a solution for Arianna. Recognizing the significance of a half-matched transplant, they approached Arianna’s mother as a partial donor (Patient Arianna neither had any sibling match nor was there any unrelated donor available).
Therefore the transplant was done by extracting hematopoietic stem cells from Arianna’s mother and then re-transfusing them into the baby’s bloodstream. This type of transplant known as an allogenic transplant, allows for a partial match with the donor, thus reducing the chances of rejection and potential complications.
Following the successful stem cell transplant, Arianna’s condition improved significantly. The medical team at Fortis Hospital Gurgaon closely monitored Arianna’s progress throughout the treatment journey. She was discharged in a stable condition within 21 days and has been regularly attending weekly OPD follow-ups.
Due to the successful transplant, she is now 5 months post-transplant and also does not require any further blood transfusions. Moreover, she is gradually gaining weight without any further complications.
The breakthrough in Arianna’s treatment is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the team of doctors who worked tirelessly to provide her with the life-saving care she needed. Dr. Vikas Dua, who led the team, emphasized the significance of collaboration between hospitals and medical institutions in overcoming challenges like rare diseases.
“Arianna’s case marks a first in India, highlighting the potential of half-matched stem cell transplants in treating patients with rare genetic disorders like Pearson syndrome.”
Conclusion
The remarkable journey of Arianna, a 14-month-old Kenyan infant with Pearson syndrome, demonstrates the exceptional medical capabilities of Fortis Hospital Gurgaon. Through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, the hospital successfully treated the infant, offering hope for a brighter future for those affected by rare disorders.
