Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road Delivers Life-Saving Care To Teen from Africa With Severe Aplastic Anaemia

Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road successfully treated a 16-year-old boy from Africa suffering from severe aplastic anaemia, a life-threatening condition where the bone marrow fails to produce sufficient blood cells. Under the expert care of Dr Niti Raizada, Senior Director of Medical & Hemato Oncology, the patient underwent a haploidentical stem cell transplant, using stem cells from a partially matched family member. After a three-month recovery period, he was discharged in stable condition.

Michael had been experiencing extreme fatigue, repeated fevers, and bleeding from his right ear for two months. With inadequate treatment options in Africa, his family sought help at Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road. After a thorough evaluation, Dr Niti Raizada recommended a haploidentical stem cell transplant, as no fully matched donor was available. His sister was identified as a partial match, making her the ideal donor for the procedure.

Dr Niti Raizada, Senior Director - Medical & Hemato Oncology, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, shared, “Michael’s case presented several complexities, including a life-threatening ear infection that required surgery before proceeding with the transplant. Despite these challenges, Michael responded well to the treatment, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see his recovery.”

Dr Nishit Ojha, Consultant - Hemato Oncology, emphasized the critical nature of the case, saying, “Without swift intervention, Michael’s condition could have rapidly worsened, leading to severe complications such as bacterial infections like Klebsiella pneumoniae. The urgency of the transplant was crucial to saving his life.”

Post-transplant, Dr Tanushree Paul, Consultant – Paediatric Hemato Oncology, reported some common complications, including mucositis, cytokine release syndrome, and febrile neutropenia. However, by Day 11, Michael’s white blood cell count had begun to recover, marking a significant improvement in his condition.

Akshay Oleti, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, stated, “At Fortis, we remain committed to offering world-class treatment for complex cases, ensuring that both patients and their families receive comprehensive care throughout their medical journey.”