LUTH Begins Marrow Transplant For Those Suffering From Sickle Cell

A bone marrow transplant program has been initiated by the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) with the goal of curing sickle cell disease in Nigeria.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, and the National Director of SCFN, Dr. Annette Akinsete, the vital need for the program was stressed Sickle cell disease offers severe health difficulties in Nigeria, resulting in life-threatening complications, organ damage, and shortened life expectancy for affected persons.

“In order to address the inadequate care available to patients in Nigeria, SCFN and LUTH launched a bone marrow transplant program at LUTH.” “A family member donor bone marrow transplant is a proven treatment for this illness.”

The statement also described the comprehensive treatment initiatives put in place, including transcranial Doppler screening for children at risk of stroke, penicillin prophylaxis, and newborn screening.

Following this are ongoing blood transfusion treatments and the growing application of hydroxyurea therapy, which has increased the percentage of children who live to adulthood.

However, the statement noted that it hasn’t increased the percentage of adults who live to be older, particularly for those who are most badly afflicted.

The program builds on past achievements, including the construction of a post-transplant clinic in 2019, which was the first of its type in sub-Saharan Africa.

Patients who had previously traveled overseas for treatment could receive post-transplant care from LUTH.

References and Citation

nairametrics.com – Lagos University Teaching Hospital establishes bone marrow transplant program for sickle cell disease

premiumtimesng.com – Nigerian hospital launches first bone marrow transplant programme for sickle cell patients

businessdayng.com – Hope for Nigeria’s 4.3m sickle cell patients as LUTH starts bone marrow transplant

thenationonlineng.net – LUTH begins bone marrow transplant for sickle cell cure

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