shot-button
E-paper E-paper
Home > Lifestyle News > Health And Fitness News > Article > 13 year old girl fights the odds and survives Wilsons disease liver failure and hepatitis A

13-year-old girl fights the odds and survives Wilson's disease, liver failure and hepatitis A

Updated on: 17 May,2024 12:29 PM IST  |  New Delhi
IANS |

The girl, Radha, was first presented to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) seven years ago, in 2017, with a liver problem, swelling in her stomach, and swelling in her legs, which was diagnosed as Wilson's disease. From there, her condition only worsened

13-year-old girl fights the odds and survives Wilson's disease, liver failure and hepatitis A

Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: istock

The girl, Radha, was first presented to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) seven years ago, in 2017, with a liver problem, swelling in her stomach, and swelling in her legs, which was diagnosed as Wilson's disease


In a case of medical marvel, a 13-year-old girl has fought all odds against Wilson's disease (a rare inherited condition), hepatitis A, and liver failure to live.


The girl, Radha, was first presented to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) seven years ago, in 2017, with a liver problem, swelling in her stomach, and swelling in her legs, which was diagnosed as Wilson's disease.


It is a rare genetic disease that leads to the accumulation of copper levels in several organs, especially the liver, brain, and eyes.

She was under treatment and her condition was controlled via diet and medication.

But her condition deteriorated when hepatitis A dealt a deadly blow to her already damaged liver, leading to acute chronic liver failure in March this year.

"Radha's body turned like a battlefield as her illness worsened at an alarming rate. Her jaundice, accompanied by skyrocketing bilirubin levels (44), was a clear sign of failing liver function," said Dr. Naresh Bansal, senior gastroenterologist at SGRH.

Further, the subtle development of hepatic encephalopathy (loss of brain function) sent her into a state of altered consciousness.

Making the situation much worse, she also suffered catastrophic upper gastrointestinal blood vomiting where she was put on life support.

The family was advised to consider a liver transplant as a life-saving option, and her mother decided to give up a portion of her liver.

The transplant was successfully done in a 12-hour-long surgery led by Dr. Ushast Dhir, Director of liver transplant and hepatobiliary Surgery.

Radha opened her eyes on the second day after the liver transplant, said Dr. Ushast.

"It was the toughest case to make it possible for a young patient with Wilson disease to get the success of this transplant. It was difficult to counsel the family, briefing the importance of a liver transplant which was the only way to save her life.

"The child was critical and a living donor liver transplant had to be performed in the perfect time frame," he added.

"The girl has recovered very well and now is back home with siblings and getting ready to go back to school after summer vacation," the doctor said.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK