A Jordanian expatriate residing in Ajman has emerged from one of the longest documented ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) cases in medical history, awakening after three months in a coma to discover she had given birth during her unconsciousness. Amal Othman, 40, survived a harrowing medical ordeal that began with a severe influenza infection during her Umrah pilgrimage while pregnant.
Her condition rapidly deteriorated into Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) accompanied by hemothorax and pneumothorax—life-threatening accumulations of blood and air in the chest cavity. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s critical care team implemented ECMO support for an unprecedented 324 days, representing one of the most prolonged applications of this advanced life support technology worldwide.
Medical director Dr. Fadi Hamed described the case as ‘exceptionally complex,’ requiring coordinated surgical interventions and sustained critical care management. ‘This patient’s journey demonstrates the remarkable outcomes possible through fully integrated team medicine and persistent hope,’ Dr. Hamed stated.
Upon regaining consciousness, Othman experienced complete paralysis and temporary voice loss, unaware of both the duration of her hospitalization and the successful delivery of her daughter months earlier. Her husband gradually revealed the reality of her situation, including the birth of their child—a revelation the mother characterizes as ‘the beginning of hope’ after existing ‘between life and death.’
Remarkably, Othman reported vivid visions during her comatose state that corresponded with actual events, including her family’s relocation to a new residence. Her recovery involved extensive rehabilitation under physical therapist Rami Boyles, who noted her progression from complete immobility to regained mobility with assisted walking.
Despite her miraculous recovery, Othman continues to face medical challenges, including the need for future colon transplantation due to treatment-related complications. She has appealed for financial support to complete her ongoing surgical requirements, emphasizing that while her survival represents a medical milestone, her healing journey continues.