Dr Amal El Beshlawy professor of haematology at Abu El Reesh with the child post operation
Cairo University’s Kasr Al Ainy Hospitals announced on 13 May a major medical success after doctors at Abu El Reesh Al Mounira Children’s Hospital treated the boy suffering from an extremely rare neurological vascular disorder that caused severe burning pain described as “electric shocks” in his hands and feet.
The child had spent months moving between several major teaching hospitals in Cairo without receiving an accurate diagnosis before Professor Amal El Beshlawy, professor of haematology at Abu El Reesh Al Mounira Hospital, identified the condition as erythromelalgia, which is extremely rare worldwide and even less common in children.
According to the medical team, the boy suffered unbearable pain that forced him to keep his limbs in ice water for relief while relying on strong sedatives. Doctors said the disease attacks nerves connected to blood vessels, causing severe burning pain and damage to small blood vessels.
The case became more complicated after the disorder affected the child’s digestive system, leading to severe bleeding from the mouth and intestines due to ulcers linked to damaged capillaries.
Doctors from the gastroenterology department carried out an urgent endoscopy to stop the bleeding before launching an intensive month-long treatment plan.
The operation and treatment programme included four plasma exchange sessions, blood transfusions to treat severe anaemia, and continuous monitoring in intensive care.
A specialized plastic surgery team also intervened to remove damaged skin and treat serious ulcers in the child’s hands and feet in an effort to restore normal limb function.
Prof. Hossam Salah, dean of Kasr Al Ainy Faculty of Medicine and chairman of Cairo University Hospitals, said the case reflected the advanced capabilities of Egypt’s university hospitals in treating highly complex and rare diseases through cooperation between multiple medical specialities.
Meanwhile, Professor Hossam Hosny, Cairo University Hospitals executive director, said the medical teams followed internationally approved treatment protocols while providing full physical and psychological care for the child.
Professor Sherif El Anwar, director of Abu El Reesh Al Mounira Hospital, said doctors had even considered direct nerve injections to block pain signals before the child gradually responded to medication and intensive treatment.
According to Kasr Al Ainy Hospitals, the child’s condition improved significantly following the intensive treatment programme, with doctors confirming the successful conclusion of the treatment and the stabilization of his health condition.
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