BETWEEN 1990 and 2000, doctors here have diagnosed only two people with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).
Both were infants and died within a year, reported a study in the Singapore Medical Journal in 2003.
Chong Khai Aik was diagnosed after the study period.
SCID affects the immune system. The bone marrow stem cells are defective and cannot produce white blood cells to fight infection.
As a result, sufferers are prone to infections and diseases.
David Vetter, a SCID sufferer, lived his entire life inside a sealed plastic bubble. He died when he was 12. In 1976, David's story was made into a movie, The Boy In The Plastic Bubble, which starred John Travolta.
The disease came to be known as 'Bubble Boy' disease.
Dr Anne Goh, who treats Khai Aik, said there is hope for SCID patients through bone marrow transplants.
Said Dr Goh: 'This has to be done before multiple infections occur as complications from the infections will make it difficult for the transplant to be carried out.'
Madam See, however, is apprehensive: 'From what I understand, there is a risk. And success is not guaranteed. He may end up going through more pain.'
http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/st...17110,00.html?
Bone marrown transplant could help 
Linear Mode
