KFSHRC Achieves Milestone In Treating Rare Genetic Blood Disorder With Pioneering Liver Transplant

The King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh has been providing continuous care for a patient with a rare genetic blood clotting disorder since infancy. Over 22 years, this support culminated in a groundbreaking liver transplant, the first of its kind globally for this condition.

When the patient showed early signs of illness in her first months, medical teams acted swiftly to stabilise her. She was diagnosed with a congenital plasminogen deficiency, which is crucial for dissolving blood clots. This deficiency led to fibrous deposits that threatened her tissues and organs.

The complexity of her condition required a multidisciplinary approach involving various specialists. Teams from nursing, nutrition, and IT worked alongside hematology and transplant experts to ensure comprehensive care. This holistic approach addressed both medical needs and quality-of-life challenges.

Reflecting on the early days, the patient's father shared, "My daughter suffered from the moment she was born. She cried constantly and couldn’t nurse. We lived in continuous worry with no clear answers until Allah Almighty opened a door of hope. Today, thanks to the remarkable healthcare capabilities provided by the Saudi leadership, we witness our daughter’s recovery from this rare disease after two decades of struggle."

The patient relied on regular intravenous plasminogen doses and eye drops to manage her condition over the years. The annual treatment cost exceeded SAR6 million, fully covered by the Saudi government. This reflects the Kingdom's commitment to human health and improving quality of life even in complex cases.

Dr. Hazzaa Al-Zahrani, Director of Adult Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Division at KFSHRC Riyadh, explained that managing this case required precision and long-term planning to prevent complications. The decision for a liver transplant was made after careful consideration as an extraordinary option for such a rare case.

A Milestone in Medical Care

The successful liver transplant marked a significant milestone in her medical journey. It also offers hope to patients worldwide facing similar conditions. This achievement aligns with KFSHRC's vision of placing patients at the centre of their practices while integrating scientific expertise with human compassion.

This approach underscores KFSHRC's mission to deliver high-standard care to society. The hospital remains dedicated to serving patients with complex medical needs through innovative treatments and compassionate care.

With inputs from SPA