The first successful bone marrow transplant from a biological mother to a Thalassemia patient

For the first time in Vietnam, Hue Central Hospital successfully performed an allogeneic bone marrow transplant for a Thalassemia patient using bone marrow taken from the biological mother, despite blood type incompatibility.

Doctors in Hue performed a bone marrow transplant taken from the biological mother for a 6-year-old patient - Photo: THUONG HIEN

On the afternoon of September 8, Hue Central Hospital held a discharge ceremony for patient Vu Quynh C. (6 years old, Bac Ninh ) - a special bone marrow transplant for a Thalassemia patient when the bone marrow source was taken from the child's biological mother, despite the incompatibility of blood types. This is the first time this technique has been successfully performed in Vietnam.

Since the age of 6 months, baby C. was diagnosed with congenital hemolytic anemia (Beta-Thalassemia) and had to undergo monthly blood transfusions. By the age of 3, the baby had to take iron-removing drugs, and his liver showed signs of iron overload.

Knowing that Hue Central Hospital had successfully transplanted bone marrow into many Thalassemia cases, the family decided to bring their child to Hue to find a chance to live.

Test results showed that the baby has HLA 11/12 compatibility with the mother.

Doctors coordinated with Italian experts to develop a transplant plan and performed the transplant on August 11.

This is a “special within special” transplant: the bone marrow source comes from a biological mother with incompatible blood types (baby type A, mother type AB). Instead of separating red blood cells as in the previous procedure, Hue Central Hospital applied a new immune tolerance technique - gradually transferring the donor’s blood type into the recipient’s body to adapt.

This method helps preserve stem cells, save costs and improve transplant efficiency.

During the treatment, the patient experienced complications of infection, bladder bleeding and mild skin rejection. Thanks to close monitoring, multidisciplinary collaboration and the use of modern equipment, the child's health has improved significantly.

On the 20th day after the transplant, the platelets recovered, and on the 24th day, the granulocytes were also stable. Today, 28 days after the transplant, the baby was officially discharged from the hospital amid the joy of the family and the medical staff.

According to statistics, each year Vietnam has about 2,000 - 2,500 children with severe Thalassemia. Most of them have to rely on blood transfusions and iron-removing drugs for life, leading to many complications and economic burdens.

Hue Central Hospital is currently one of the leading centers in the country for organ and stem cell transplantation. From 2019 to now, the hospital has performed 61 stem cell transplants in children, including 11 allogeneic transplants for children with thalassemia - all of which no longer require blood transfusions.

Last August, the hospital expanded two more transplant rooms, increasing its capacity to four simultaneous transplants. In the near future, the unit plans to perform half-matched transplants for children who do not have a completely HLA-compatible relative - opening the door of hope for many children with Thalassemia.

NHAT LINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/lan-dau-tien-ghep-tuy-tu-me-ruot-cho-benh-nhi-thalassemia-thanh-cong-20250908202825255.htm