Eman makes 'significant improvement' at Burjeel Hospital

Eman Abdul Atti

In the first major steps in Eman Abdul Atti's recovery in Burjeel Hospital, Dr Yassin El Shahat on Saturday said the 'world's heaviest woman' has for the first time raised her right arm.
El Shahat, chief medical officer and in-charge of the team treating Eman, said the priority was issues like psychological status, rehabilitation, bed sores and treating the cause of persistent fever.
"There's significant improvement due to the rehabilitation programme. Now, she is able to raise her right arm against gravity for the first time since she had her first stroke," El Shahat said in a statement.
Even as the hospital remains tight-lipped over Eman's weight, the doctor said further reduction of weight is planned by strict diet.
"Possible surgical intervention may be part of long-term plan."
El Shahat stressed on the importance of psychological well-being.
"We have achieved a marvelous improvement in Eman's psychological status. There's significant improvement in her bed sores, and treatment of severe urinary tract infection with improvement of kidney function," El Shahat said.
He added a panel of advanced genetic workup was sent to Germany for possible detection of any genetic disorder that may explain her condition and which might help in managing obesity.
"Radiological studies for pelvis, upper and lower limbs revealed advanced deformities in hip and knee joints that will be taken into consideration in the mid and long-term plans. Heart echo study revealed severe regurgitation of the aortic valve."
As a result, doctors have started conservative treatment with possible valve replacement as a long-term plan.
El Shahat said VPS Healthcare chairman and managing director Dr Shamsheer Vayalil is following daily updates in the case and has instructed the team of 20 specialists to use all possible respurces to achieve the best outcome.
Eman was last week airlifted from Mumbai's Saifee Hospital for better rehabilitation.
- ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi