AIIMS Publishes Case Study on India’s First Successful Delivery of An Anemic Child with One of the World’s Rarest Blood Groups

Tags: Science and Technology National News

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi published a case study on India's first successful delivery of a child suffering from anemia with one of the world’s rarest blood groups, Rh 17 antigen.

An overview of the news

• Dr. Neena Malhotra, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at AIIMS Delhi, briefed the media on the complications that arose during pregnancy due to alloimmunisation, which is the incompatibility between the red blood cells of the mother and the baby.

• The fetus underwent 6 intrauterine blood transfusions to reduce the chances of hydrops or heart failure.

• Dr. Aparna Sharma, an Obstetrics and Gynaecology professor, highlighted that the biggest challenge was obtaining the rare Rh 17 antigen, which had to be sourced from Japan.

About AIIMS

• It is a public medical research university and hospital located in New Delhi, India.

• The institute is governed by the AIIMS Act, 1956.

• AIIMS Delhi operates autonomously under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

  • Established: 1956 

  • Current President:Mansukh Mandaviya

  • Dean: Neena Khanna

  • Director: M Srinivas

  • Motto: "Sharīramādyam khalu dharmasādhanam" ("The body is indeed the primary instrument of dharma")

Anemia Overview

• Anemia is characterized by a deficiency of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, impairing oxygen transport to the body's tissues.

• Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

• Symptoms include tiredness, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Types of Anemia

• Aplastic Anemia

• Iron Deficiency Anemia

• Sickle Cell Anemia

• Thalassemia

• Vitamin Deficiency Anemia

Symptoms of Anemia

• General Symptoms:

  • Symptoms depend on the cause and severity of anemia.

  • Initially, anemia can be mild and symptomless, but symptoms worsen as anemia progresses.

  • An underlying disease can mask anemia symptoms, with anemia sometimes discovered through tests for other conditions.

• Possible Symptoms:

  • Tiredness

  • Weakness

  • Shortness of breath

  • Pale or yellowish skin (more noticeable on lighter skin tones)

  • Irregular heartbeat

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Chest pain

  • Cold hands and feet

  • Headaches