Abstract
Introduction Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) saves lives by treating a diverse range of pediatric conditions. Pediatric HSCT services began in the UAE in 2022. This study evaluates outcomes of the first 25 cases at Burjeel Medical City, Burjeel Cancer Institute, Abu Dhabi, following the establishment of the UAE's first pediatric bone marrow transplantation (BMT) unit. Method This retrospective study included children aged >30 days to <18 years who received HSCT from fully human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched related donors. Pre-transplant optimization and conditioning regimens were tailored to individual needs by a multidisciplinary team. Results The bone marrow served as the primary stem cell source in 96% of cases. Median engraftment times were 18 days for neutrophils and 15 days for platelets. Transplant-related mortality was 0%, with 4% graft failure and a 100% survival rate. Complications included bacterial sepsis (32%), acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (20%), and chronic GVHD (12%). Conclusion Pediatric HSCT in the UAE has proven to be feasible and effective, offering a cost-efficient alternative to treatment abroad. It enhances access to advanced care within the region, marking a significant step forward in local pediatric healthcare and medical self-reliance.