In a first for the UAE's health sector, a Sharjah hospital has successfully treated a child suffering from multiple sclerosis.

According to the Emirates Health Services (EHS), the child was treated at Al Qassimi Women’s & Children’s Hospital (AQWCH), enhancing hope for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis across the country.

The 10-year-old boy was suffering from double vision, chronic headaches, and worsening academic performance, following which he was referred to a paediatric neurologist.

After the doctors conducted multiple clinical examinations, it was found that the child was experiencing the rare neurological disease usually observed in adults.

Previously, the boy was treated with corticosteroid derivatives, but the treatment failed to generate promising results. Then, the medical team opted for using a new medication called Ocrelizumab which was never used on children in the UAE.

Under close supervision, the medication is administered by health experts over the course of a few hours. The EHS noted that the patient displayed a positive response to the medication, bringing renewed hope for children suffering from multiple sclerosis.

According to Dr Safiya Al Khajeh, director of AQWCH, multiple sclerosis in children is extremely rare and occurs at a rate of less than 5 percent.

“The delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to further deterioration in the patients’ health. Primary and secondary hospitals must quickly transfer suspected cases to centres specialising in paediatric neurology," Dr Al Khajeh added.

SOURCE: Khaleej Times

LINK: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/health/uae-first-child-successfully-treated-for-multiple-sclerosis