Warangal: Doctors at KIMS Cuddles perform rare stem cell transplant procedure to save life of 11-year-old boy

Hyderabad: An 11-year-old boy from Warangal has recovered from severe aplastic anaemia after receiving stem cells from his 10-year-old sister.

The transplant was performed at KIMS Cuddles, Kondapur, and is being recognised as a timely and rare success.

Critical Condition on Arrival

According to Dr. Chandana Mareddy, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist, Oncologist, and Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist at KIMS Cuddles, the boy was admitted in critical condition.

“He came in with high-grade fever, and his haemoglobin, platelets, and neutrophils were dangerously low,” Dr. Chandana said. “Following tests, he was diagnosed with severe aplastic anaemia, a rare condition that affects only about 6.8 children per million.”

With the bone marrow no longer producing enough blood cells, doctors determined that a stem cell transplant was the only curative option.

Sister Steps Forward

The medical team requested a close relative donor, and the patient’s 10-year-old sister immediately offered to help. “She didn’t hesitate. She simply said she wanted to save her brother. That courage is rare at her age,” said Dr. Chandana.

Despite being a half-match (not a full genetic match), her stem cells were collected and transplanted into her brother, a procedure that carries higher risks of complications.

Recovery Without Complications

Typically, patients who undergo such transplants face weeks of vulnerability to infections and other side effects. But in this case, the boy showed rapid signs of improvement.

“Most half-match patients experience complications like mouth ulcers, hair loss, appetite loss, and increased risk of infections. But he responded exceptionally well,” Dr. Chandana said. “He was discharged within three weeks.”

She also praised the boy’s spirit: “He was very clear, he wanted to get better fast and go back to school. He encouraged his parents and never lost hope throughout.”

Support from Hospital and Medical Team

Acknowledging the family’s modest financial background, KIMS Cuddles provided discounts and logistical support throughout the treatment.

“The treatment of such cases is typically expensive, but we ensured the family received the help they needed,” Dr. Chandana said.

She also credited the recovery to a coordinated medical effort led by Dr. Parag, Clinical Director of Paediatrics and Head of PICU, and Dr. V. Sudheer, Medical Director.

Contributing teams included paediatric intensivists Dr. Avinash, Dr. Kalyan, Dr. Vidya, the radiation oncology unit, lab technicians, blood bank staff, and nursing teams.

A Raksha Bandhan Story

With the festival of Raksha Bandhan nearing, the story has gained attention as a poignant real-life example of sibling devotion. “In our culture, Raksha Bandhan is symbolic of a sister protecting her brother. In this case, she quite literally saved his life,” Dr. Chandana said.

The boy has now returned home, and doctors say his long-term outlook is positive.