In coordination with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi's Unified Medical Operations Command Centre (UMOC) SEHA’s Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Team Saves the Life of a 4-Year-Old Child

Multidisciplinary team overcomes complex case of viral pneumonia and acute respiratory failure with prolonged extracorporeal life support

SEHA, part of the PureHealth Group and the largest healthcare network in the Middle East, has announced that its specialised medical team successfully saved the life of a four-year-old child who survived life-threatening acute respiratory failure caused by viral pneumonia. This case stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through advanced medical care and a multidisciplinary approach, supported by Abu Dhabi’s cutting-edge infrastructure that reinforces its position as a global healthcare destination.

The child was admitted to Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in a highly critical condition, suffering from acute respiratory failure due to viral pneumonia, which led to complications requiring advanced medical interventions to save his life. In coordination with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi's Unified Medical Operations Command Centre (UMOC), which oversees and supports the provision of life-saving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) services in the emirate, the expert team at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City promptly initiated ECMO. This technique allows for gas exchange outside the body, bypassing the heart and lungs to temporarily perform their function of oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal, allowing these organs to rest and recover.

Despite the complexity of treatment and potential complications such as airway clots and vascular instability, the child underwent several ECMO configuration changes and supportive surgeries including bronchopleural fistula repair and left lower lung lobectomy to manage persistent pneumothorax and lung damage.

In addition to ECMO, the care team utilised high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFO), prone positioning to optimise lung function, and repeated bronchoscopy to clear airway clots. Over nearly four months in the intensive care unit, the child gradually stabilised, successfully weaned off ECMO, and was eventually discharged in stable condition.

Dr. Juan Pablo Montiel, Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, expressed pride in the team’s efforts and the complex achievement, saying: “We are incredibly proud of our team’s work and the remarkable recovery of this child. This case demonstrates the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex medical conditions.”

This inspiring story reflects both the determination of the young patient and the dedication of the medical team. The success was made possible by an integrated team of physicians, surgeons, intensivists, ECMO specialists, respiratory therapists, nurses, and paediatric support teams. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and relentless pursuit of life-saving care even in the most challenging cases was evident throughout.

This case also exemplifies the advantages of the comprehensive care model at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, where evidence-based technology, seamless collaboration, and compassionate care come together. Regardless of age, this child represents a living testament to the UAE’s pursuit of world-class healthcare and achieving the best outcomes.

Today, this brave four-year-old stands as a symbol of hope, strength, and all that can be achieved through expert, team-based medical care.