LUTH, SCFN INTRODUCE BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT TO CURE SICKLE CELL DISEASE IN NIGERIA. (PHOTO)
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LUTH, SCFN INTRODUCE BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT TO CURE SICKLE CELL DISEASE IN NIGERIA
The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) have joined forces to introduce a bone marrow transplant program aimed at curing sickle cell disease in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, and the National Director of SCFN, Dr. Annette Akinsete, they emphasized the urgent need for the program.
According to the statement,“Recognising the gaps in care for individuals affected by the disease in Nigeria, SCFN and LUTH established a bone marrow transplant programme at LUTH.”
The program includes comprehensive care programs such as newborn screening, penicillin prophylaxis, and Transcranial Doppler screening in children to identify those at risk of stroke.
The statement also noted that the first patients have started undergoing bone marrow transplants at LUTH, receiving treatment to prepare them for the infusion of bone marrow stem cells harvested from family donors.
It stated that, “They received a treatment regimen of exchange blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and anti-infective prophylaxis to prepare them for the infusion of bone marrow stem cells harvested from family donors.”
The stem cell infusions took place on September 17 and September 19, 2024. Currently, both patients are receiving immediate post-transplant care within the transplant unit at LUTH.
Sickle cell disease is a major health challenge in Nigeria, leading to life-threatening complications, organ damage, and reduced life expectancy for those affected. However, with this initiative of LUTH and SCFN, a medical breakthrough is in sight for patients of the disease in Nigeria
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