Abu Dhabi-UAE: The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), a subsidiary of PureHealth, the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East, through its Corniche Hospital has demonstrated the capabilities of its obstetric and neonatal services by supporting a heart transplant recipient through her successful pregnancy and childbirth journey. This achievement highlights Corniche Hospital’s expert approach to high-risk pregnancy management, affirming its dedication to empowering women with cardiovascular conditions to fulfill their motherhood aspirations.
Heart transplant recipients are increasingly living longer, healthier lives, with more patients contemplating pregnancy. But these pregnancies can be higher risk and can have health implications. One US study showed almost a quarter of mothers who had received heart transplants underwent severe maternal morbidity after giving birth, compared to just 1.7% of women without heart transplants. Successful pregnancies after heart transplants require a comprehensive approach by a multidisciplinary team.
An Emirati lady underwent a heart transplant in 2014, considered as a gift of life. Eight years later, eager to start a family, she was confronted with the challenging prospect of pregnancy, further complicated by an increased risk of heart failure and acute transplant rejection. To navigate these challenges, she turned to Corniche Hospital, where she received support from a specialized multidisciplinary clinic for high-risk pregnancies.
Led by Dr Saleema Wani, Senior Consultant Obstetrician, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, and Chief Academic Officer at Corniche Hospital, a dedicated multispecialty team, including a cardiologist, obstetricians, anesthesiologists and obstetric medicine consultants, provided the lady with comprehensive care, ensuring a safe and closely monitored pregnancy journey. The birth of a healthy baby in October not only marked a milestone for the patient but also represented a significant accomplishment for the medical community, showcasing that heart condition patients can safely bear children.
Dr Ahmed Al Banna, Acting CEO of Corniche Hospital, said: “At Corniche Hospital, we understand the complexities and challenges that come with high-risk pregnancies. We are committed to providing the highest level of care, ensuring the wellbeing of both mother and baby.”
Dr Wani said: “We are thrilled to have been a part of this unique success story. This is a testament to the fact that cardiovascular diseases don’t have to limit women’s dreams of getting pregnant and starting a family. However, it is crucial for potential mothers to engage in careful planning and consistent medical follow-up. At Corniche Hospital, our specialised clinic for pregnant ladies who have cardiovascular conditions exemplifies our commitment to a team-oriented approach to securing optimal pregnancy outcomes.”
The patient, said: “I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Corniche Hospital for their outstanding care and support. Their commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy journey for me truly made a difference. My appreciation for the team’s dedication and expertise is immense, and I am profoundly grateful for their support in making my dream of motherhood a reality.”
As a beacon of excellence in maternity care for over 45 years, Corniche Hospital continues to set benchmarks in the care of women and newborns, particularly those facing high-risk conditions. The hospital’s recent renovations and the introduction of cutting-edge technology and specialty clinics are in line with PureHealth and SEHA’s mission to drive medical innovation and offer unparalleled care across Abu Dhabi. This commitment extends to women planning pregnancies with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, cardiac, neurological, pulmonary or hematological diseases, ensuring every patient receives the highest standard of care tailored to their unique needs.
About SEHA
The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA) is an independent, public joint stock company created to develop the curative activities of the public healthcare system in Abu Dhabi. The company owns and operates all of the public hospitals and clinics of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. SEHA is a PureHealth asset, the UAE’s largest integrated healthcare platform.
SEHA is committed to the continuous improvement of customer care to recognized international standards, and providing the community with world-class healthcare. SEHA operates 14 hospitals with over 3,000 beds, 70 ambulatory care, family care and urgent care centers, and three blood banks. Its facilities accommodate 117,162 inpatients annually, conducting 43,262 surgeries, and treat more than 5 million outpatients.
SEHA is one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the Middle East, with more than 14,000 doctors, nurses, ancillary care, and administrative personnel. Learn more at www.seha.ae
To find out more about SEHA’s specialized clinic, or book an appointment, call 80050 or visit SEHA.ae. You can also book an appointment through the SEHA mobile app, or WhatsApp 02 410 2200.
About PureHealth
By advancing the science of longevity, PureHealth is introducing the healthcare of the future from the UAE to the rest of the world. PureHealth is the largest integrated healthcare platform in the Middle East, with an ecosystem that challenges lifespans and reimagines health spans. With 25+ hospitals, 100+ clinics, multiple diagnostic centers, health insurance solutions, pharmacies, health tech, procurement, investments and more, its groundbreaking innovations are at the forefront of healthcare, as the company is on a mission to unlock time for humankind.
- PureHealth’s network of healthcare facilities across Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates comprises:
- SEHA – Abu Dhabi Health Services Company – One of the largest healthcare networks of hospitals and clinics in the UAE
- Daman – The National Health Insurance Company, the UAE’s leading health insurer
- The Medical Office – Overseeing Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and healthcare facilities established under the initiatives of H.H. the President of the UAE
- Rafed – The UAE’s largest healthcare Group Purchasing Organization
- PureLab – Managing and operating the largest network of laboratories in the region
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center – Specialist healthcare center focused on cell therapy and regenerative medicine
- One Health – Sales, service support, and engineering network that provides end-to-end medical solutions
- The Life Corner – Abu Dhabi’s first holistic pharmacy, serving the health and wellness establishment
- Ardent – The fourth largest privately held acute care hospital operator in the USA
To learn more, please visit www.purehealth.ae
