Two young Afghani nationals were rushed into Rashid Hospital after a gas cylinder defect left both of them with massive flame burns.

Twenty-seven year old Hafizulla had 45 per cent total body surface area affected by second-degree superficial and deep burns. His cousin, 20-year-old Khayal Mohammed had 30 per cent burns. Both were in a critical condition.

A multidisciplinary team of doctors from the hospital and the Burns unit of the hospital carried out several procedures to stabilise them.

Few days later, both patients became the first in the UAE to undergo amniotic membrane graft that was donated by a mother that delivered her baby via C-section at Latifa Hospital for Women and Children. This is the first procedure in the UAE where amniotic membrane from the placenta is used to accelerate wound care and regenerate skin tissue.

Dr Fahd Baslaib, CEO of Rashid Hospital at the DHA said, “Advances in patient care and providing the highest quality of medical services is a priority. The Burns unit at the Hospital has continued to expand its specialised services over the last few years and we are proud of this achievement that paves the way for advanced burn and wound care thereby providing patients with better pain management and accelerated recovery.”

Generally, in cases of burns, skin grafting is the procedure performed.

Amniotic membrane graft is gaining popularity in burn and wound care due to the many benefits associated with it.

Only a pregnant woman that undergoes a C-section delivery can donate the amniotic membrane, as it is a sterile environment.

The amniotic membrane surrounds the placenta and protects the developing fetus in utero and separates mother and fetus. At birth, the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus and is expelled from the body. The mother and child no longer require the placenta to facilitate nutrient transport and pregnancy after birth.