Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
SEHA, a subsidiary of PureHealth, on Wednesday announced the remarkable recovery of young Mayar Al Balushi, who survived a rare and life-threatening medical condition thanks to the expert care provided at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC).
In a press release, SEHA stated that Mayar, previously healthy, was transferred as an emergency patient from Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) to Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) only two weeks previously, critically ill with fulminant hepatitis, Influenza A and encephalitis - an exceedingly rare and poorly understood combination.
According to SEHA, the girl's condition deteriorated rapidly, resulting in the development of secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) - a severe and potentially fatal hyper-inflammatory immune response requiring urgent and highly specialised care.
Her survival and recovery followed a complicated, multi-disciplinary approach. The medical team adapted the treatment plan with the administration of intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange, high-dose steroids, anakinra, intrathecal methotrexate, broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive therapy. Her care involved professionals from paediatric intensive care, gastroenterology, haematology, neurology, rheumatology, infectious disease, nephrology, immunology, metabolic genetics and general practice paediatrics.
On May 15, Mayar had sufficiently improved that she could be moved from the intensive care unit to the paediatric ward. She was discharged on May 23 - healthy, strong and smiling, a true miracle of nature and testament to the clinical care at SKMC.
“Mayar’s recovery is more than a clinical success; it is a reflection of collaboration, expertise, and the extraordinary strength of a young child,” said Dr. Shatha Mohamed Al Taee, Consultant Paediatrician at SKMC. “Every member of our paediatric team played a vital role in her journey. I am immensely proud of the compassion, skill, and dedication they demonstrated throughout.”
Her story highlights the vital work being done behind the scenes at SKMC to save children’s lives and reunite families.
As part of SEHA and PureHealth, SKMC is currently changing the paediatric healthcare landscape in the UAE as a result of its partnership with Cincinnati Children's Hospital. This partnership will help bring a leading worldwide paediatric centre of excellence to Abu Dhabi, combining regional expertise with international leaders in paediatric care, research, and education.
Based on a common sense of innovation, compassion, and excellence, the partnership is helping to set new standards in paediatric care, leading to a healthier future for children in the UAE and throughout the GCC.
