Gene therapy gives hope to Emirati girl who couldn’t walk

  A 2-year-old Emirati girl who couldn’t walk due to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) has taken her first steps after receiving an advanced gene replacement surgery last year. Afra was diagnosed with SMA soon after she was born, a doctor at Salma Hospital in the UAE was quoted as saying by Gulf news. “When Afra came to us, she was still bedbound and required breathing support,” Dr. Hiba Elamin said in an interview via Gulf News. Afra is one of many children in the UAE who are benefiting from innovative treatments for SMA, a degenerative and debilitating neuromuscular illness that, if left untreated, can be deadly. Sheikh Khalifa Medical City performed advanced gene therapy for Afra 17 months after she was born. She was then transferred to Salma Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital where she received long-term rehabilitation care. “With regular physical therapy, we have been able to wean her off the respiratory support, and have helped her to take a few steps,” Dr. Elamin added. With Afra taking her first few steps, the medical facility is hopeful for more improvements. “Most children with SMA also cannot receive oral nutrition, but Afra is able to sip water from time to time. We are therefore hopeful that she will improve further with continued physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy,” said Dr. Elamin. BKM/ Expat Media
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