Dr Abhilasha and team seen with the child after the successful bone marrow transplant. Louis Rodrigues
THE GOAN NETWORK
BELAGAVI
In a significant milestone in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, the first Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant was successfully performed at KLE Dr Sampatkumar S Shivangi Cancer Hospital, Belagavi on a 4 year old girl child who was diagnosed with congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (CAMT).
Dr Abhilasha S, Pediatric Hematologist Oncologist, who has treated the patient said that CAMT is a genetic condition often leading to serious bleeding complications. “Left untreated, the condition leads to complete bone marrow failure. Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) is the only treatment on this ailment. The child was suffering from low platelet counts since infancy, requiring frequent platelet transfusions. Her elder sibling had succumbed due to the same disorder. After following procedures, the decision was made to proceed with an allogenic transplant,” Dr Abhilasha said.
Giving further details she said that the elder sister of the child was the donor and was subjected to harvest procedure in which stem cells are extracted from the bone marrow. Following a carefully planned regimen, these healthy stem cells were infused to the child. Post-transplant, the child is now producing healthy blood cells,” Dr Abhilahsa informed.
Chief Operating Officer of the hospital Navin N said that this case marks a turning point in advanced pediatric care in our region as it is the first allogeneic bone marrow transplant performed in North Karnataka and Goa region. “Highly specialised procedures like bone marrow transplantation for rare genetic disorders and malignancies can be effectively carried out with the right expertise and infrastructure,” COO Navin ascertained.
“Chairman, Dr Prabhakar Kore's vision to create a world-class BMT facility at Belagavi and supported by Medical Director, Dr (Col) Dayananda M KLE Cancer Hospital, the hospital is well equipped with a comprehensive Bone Marrow Transplant unit equipped with Pediatric Daycare Ward, Isolation Ward for Neutropenic Patients, Pediatric ICU, well trained nursing team & support services like Lab and Radiology. “ We are also supported by NGOs who provide financial assistance to patients, commented,” Navin added.
