Media Release
Udupi, Feb 8: The team of doctors in Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal have successfully performed the first allogeneic bone marrow transplant for a young girl with immune disorder (Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis).
A two-and-a-half years old girl from Chitradurga was admitted with fever and enlargement of lymph nodes to Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. She had lost her brother with the same complaints a few years ago. On evaluation, she was diagnosed with an immune disorder and the only curative treatment option was a bone marrow transplant. Fortunately, her father was a 10/10 HLA match and was chosen as the donor.
She underwent a bone marrow transplant successfully. The team of doctors consisted of Dr Vasudeva Bhat K, Dr Archana M V, Dr Kalasekhar, Dr Ramitha R Bhat, and Dr Atul Achyutrao from the division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology. The transplant was supported by a team of doctors in the Blood bank led by Dr Shamee Shastry. The family had a lot of financial issues towards treatment and was helped by many NGOs mainly 'Save a life' charitable trust.
She was on close follow-up since the transplant and presently has completed the one-year follow-up and is doing very well and has been enrolled in school as well. Dr Vinay M V, pediatric bone marrow transplant physician from KMC Manipal said, “Her complex immune condition is completely cured and BMT has worked as the elixir for her. The need for BMT services in the country is huge. For a population of 130 crore, at least 10,000 transplants may be required each year. Currently, only about 2500 transplants are done in the country."
Medical superintendent Dr Avinash Shetty appreciated the joint teamwork of the doctors and said, "The Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology led by Dr Vasudeva Bhat K, have been effectively managing complex haematological, oncological disorders including bone marrow transplant in children giving them new hope."