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AIIMS Delhi, renowned for its pioneering medical treatments, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully performing India’s first foetal blood transfusion to save a child with a rare blood disorder. This remarkable feat, which marks only the eighth such procedure globally, was crucial in delivering a healthy baby to a woman from Haryana who had suffered seven previous miscarriages.
The patient, who remains unnamed, faced a daunting challenge due to a rare blood group antigen, Rh 17, which caused severe incompatibility issues between her blood and that of her unborn babies. This incompatibility led to anaemia in the foetus, posing grave risks including heart failure and fetal death.
Dr. Neena Malhotra, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at AIIMS Delhi, explained the complexity of the case. “The mother’s rare blood group made her pregnancies extremely high-risk. Traditional treatments were ineffective, resulting in multiple heartbreaking losses,” she stated.
In her eighth pregnancy, the woman sought treatment at AIIMS Delhi during the fifth month when doctors discovered severe anaemia in the foetus. Immediate action was necessary to save the unborn child’s life. Despite the rarity of the blood type needed (O D phenotype), not available in India, AIIMS doctors collaborated with the Japanese Red Cross to import the required blood units swiftly.
Dr. Hem Chandra Pandey and his team from the AIIMS Blood Bank facilitated the international coordination and logistical challenges, ensuring the timely import of the lifesaving blood. “The coordination involved rapid administrative clearances and funding arrangements, which were secured within a record 48 hours,” Dr. Malhotra emphasized.
Over the course of the pregnancy, the foetus underwent six intrauterine blood transfusions, a delicate procedure performed to correct the anaemia and mitigate the risks associated with the disorder. This treatment successfully reversed the condition of hydrops, a severe form of heart failure in unborn babies.
After a careful and monitored pregnancy lasting eight months, the baby was delivered via caesarean section, marking the culmination of a highly specialized and meticulously executed medical intervention.
“This case represents a significant advancement in maternal and foetal medicine in India,” AIIMS stated proudly. “It underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical science to deliver hope and successful outcomes even in the most challenging cases.”
Both mother and newborn were discharged from AIIMS in excellent health, marking a triumphant conclusion to a journey fraught with adversity and culminating in a joyous new beginning for the family.
This achievement not only highlights AIIMS Delhi’s expertise but also sets a new standard for managing rare foetal disorders, offering renewed hope to families facing similar challenges worldwide.
