Successful ECMO treatment for Child who Got Bone Marrow Transplant for Rare Disease | RCH Chennai

Today, we bring to you an amazing story of survival. At six weeks old, Lochen was admitted at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Chennai, for diarrhea and severe dehydration. Although it was initially believed to be a simple infection, following several tests, he was diagnosed with a rare disease called monogenic inflammatory bowel disease due to IL-10 R deficiency, which is a genetic condition. The only available treatment is to do an early Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT). The transplant was performed at 5 months in another reputed hospital. However, post the Bone Marrow Transplant, he suffered severe complications due to infection, which damaged every organ. His kidneys, liver, heart and lungs failed completely by the 14th day of transplant. The only hope that remained was ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation). As the baby was diagnosed at RCH Chennai, the family opted to transport little Lochen back here for further treatment. Precautions were taken during the ambulance transport. Experienced Pediatric Emergency Physician, Dr Geetha Jayapathy, Consultant at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, transported the baby in person and stabilized the baby. On arrival, Lochen was transferred directly to the Pediatric ICU. The ECMO team, led by Dr. Karthik Narayanan, Senior Consultant Pediatric Intensive Care, was activated and the machine and circuits were kept ready and primed. Due to several complications, the baby required ECMO for the next 20 days. After that, Lochen continued to be on ventilator for one more week. The PICU and Pediatric Emergency team comprising of Dr R Karthik Narayanan, Dr Nataraj Palaniappan and Dr Geetha Jayapathy provided round-the-clock care for the baby. We are happy to report that Lochen is doing well today and is on his way to recovery. Our expert medical team and advanced technology make Rainbow Children's Hospital one of the best children's hospital in India. #RainbowChildrensHospital #Chennai #ECMO #BMT #BoneMarrowTransplant #RareDisease #Survivor #Success