Bone Marrow Transplantation for Beta-Thalassaemia major

Abstract

The treatment of β-thalassaemia major by the new therapeutic modality of bone marrow transplantation has recently been carried out in Kuwait. A report on the first 2 children is given, illustrating the factors affecting the outcome of marrow transplantation for this disease. One child has remained in excellent health with normal haematological indices for more than 45 months after bone marrow transplantation. The advisability of adopting marrow transplantation in lieu of the conventional therapy for thalassaemia major is discussed.

The Humanitarian aspects of organ transplantation*

“…The first successful bone marrow transplantation in the Middle East was carried out in Kuwait for a child with Thalassemia Major. Five of the six children that received such transplants are alive and well today, more than 15 years later [22].…”