Abu Dhabi: Burjeel Medical City has reached a significant milestone in medical science by successfully performing a complex ABO incompatible kidney transplant. This procedure defies traditional transplantation norms, where matching blood types between donor and recipient is crucial to prevent organ rejection.
The 32-year-old patient, suffering from kidney failure since 2018, faced deteriorating health that led to continuous dialysis last year. Her critical condition necessitated an urgent kidney transplant, despite the blood type mismatch with her donor.
Dr. Ishthiaque Ahamed, Specialist Nephrologist & Transplant Physician at Burjeel Medical City, emphasized the advanced medical research over the past 25 years that has made such transplants feasible and safe, even when donor and recipient blood types do not match. “In an ABO incompatible kidney transplant, the patient undergoes pre- and post-operative treatments to reduce antibody levels, minimizing the risk of the donor kidney being rejected,” Dr. Ahamed explained.
In this case, the patient’s antibody levels were low, enhancing the likelihood of a successful outcome. The medical team performed plasmapheresis to remove existing antibodies and administered special injections to prevent the formation of new ones. After discussing the risks and benefits with the patient and her family, the decision was made to proceed with the transplant due to the urgency of her condition.
Post-surgery, the patient will have regular follow-ups, starting with twice-weekly visits, which will eventually decrease to monthly check-ups after six months. Her ongoing care includes dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and routine lab tests to ensure her continued recovery.
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