Wir überwinden Grenzen

(07.01.2025) Thanks to the rapid assistance provided by the University Medical Center Freiburg, a patient with a rare immune disease was helped on vacation in Turkey and a leg amputation was prevented.

41-year-old Fatma B.* suffers from the rare immune disease NFkB1 deficiency, which weakens her immune system and triggers autoimmune reactions. She has been under the care of Professor Dr. Bodo Grimbacher from the Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI) at the Freiburg University Medical Center for years. She regularly receives vital infusions there. "Our patients are often dependent on a sensitive interplay of therapies. Any interruption can be life-threatening," explains the expert.

The leg was treated remotely in Turkey

Fatma B. travels to Turkey over Christmas to visit her family. Shortly before the return journey, open wounds develop on her leg, which spread dramatically within a day. The Turkish doctors are at a loss and amputation is imminent. In desperation, Fatma B. contacted Sofi K., a volunteer interpreter from Germany who had already helped her in the past. She immediately informs Prof. Grimbacher, who orders an injection with the anti-TNF antibody and the now overdue regular infusion. "Time is the decisive factor here," he emphasizes. "We had to act quickly to save the leg."

The therapy takes effect the very next day

The interpreter organizes the infusion in Germany and flies to Turkey in person to bring the medication to the hospital as quickly as possible. The treatment took effect the very next day and the wound stopped spreading. Fatma B. has to stay in hospital for several more weeks until she is strong enough to be transported. Together with the CCI team, interpreter Sofi K. organizes Fatma B.'s return journey to Freiburg. A nurse accompanies her and PROimmun e.V. covers part of the transportation costs.

The treatment saved the patient's leg

Back in Freiburg, Fatma B. is admitted directly to Freiburg University Hospital and treated as an inpatient for two weeks. Her leg is saved and the intensive care gives her peace of mind. "I am infinitely grateful to the doctors and helpers," she says later. Although she continues to live with health restrictions, she draws hope. Today, she is concentrating on her recovery and is looking forward to further meetings with her family - on the condition that she always has her medication with her.

*Name changed

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