ROME - Bambino Gesù hospital has successfully completed a hematopoietic stem cell transplant on baby Alessandro Maria Montresorwho was born with a rare genetic disease.

 The patient, affected by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), was transferred to Rome’s Bambino Gesù hospital from the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London at the end of November and underwent the transplant on Dec. 20.

 Since the end of October, thousands of people had lined up to undergo the compatibility test to be a donor for the child. After no success in this race against the clock, the scientists of Bambino Gesù hospital offered one last a chance of recovery to Alessandro.

 Doctors performed a haematopoietic stem cell transplant from the child’s father. Fortunately the intervention “succeeded” and Alessandro is now “in good health” and will soon be able to leave the hospital.

 One month since the transplant, the cells manipulated and infused in the child, “have perfectly taken root” with “no complications,” says the hospital. “We are happy about the evolution of this complex story,” said Franco Locatelli, director of the Department of Oncohematology and Cellular and Gene Therapy of the hospital.

 Alessandro will continue to be “closely monitored,” with “regular visits to our Day Hospital department,” said Locatelli. This will ensure that any complications or risks of infection can be avoided.