11-month-old undergoes liver transplantation in Kochi

KOCHI: In a rare feat, an 11-month-old has now undergone a liver transplant at a private hospital in Kochi. The infant had been suffering from a congenital condition, 'Biliary Atresia', in which bile flow from liver to the gallbladder is blocked causing the bile to be trapped inside the liver resulting in damage and scarring of the liver cells (cirrhosis), which if left untreated leads to liver failure.

A few months after Hazel Mariam was born, her mother Shini Koshy of Fort Kochi, wife of Jibin Koshy Vaidyan who works in Abu Dhabi, noticed a yellowish tone to her skin, which increased over the weeks. With decrease in appetite, dark urine and increased irritability, the worried parents consulted a local child specialist. After a series of tests they were informed about the congenital condition that Mariam was born with. She was then referred to Aster Medcity here.

"On evaluation, it was found that the condition of the infant was serious. The parents were scared because of episodes of vomiting of blood. The damage to the infant's liver was extensive. It was clear to us that only a liver transplant could save the infant's life," said Dr Mathew Jacob, consultant, Aster Medcity.

"We urgently needed a donor. Fortunately, her mother came forward and was found to be a suitable match! The parents and family were counseled on the surgical procedure and medication post surgery. At the weight of 5.5 kg, she was the youngest person to undergo a liver transplant in Kerala," said Dr Mathew Jacob.

While the mother made an uneventful recovery after transplantation, Mariam's recovery was complicated mainly due to her malnourished pre-transplant state. Hazel Mariam is now back at home and is active.