In a heartwarming turn of events, a one-year-old girl diagnosed with a biliary atresia has been given a new lease on life through a liver transplant at Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai. Baby Shanaya (name changed), who had been battling the condition, was saved by the skillful hands of medical professionals and the selfless act of organ donation.
Biliary Atresia
Biliary atresia is a rare, congenital liver disease that affects infants. In this condition, the bile ducts inside or outside the liver become blocked or absent, preventing bile—a digestive fluid produced by the liver—from being released into the intestines. Bile is essential for the digestion of fats and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. When bile flow is obstructed, it accumulates in the liver, leading to inflammation, scarring, and eventual liver failure if not treated promptly.
The exact cause of biliary atresia remains unknown, though it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is one of the leading causes of liver transplants in children. Studies indicate that biliary atresia occurs in approximately 1 in every 10,000 to 15,000 live births in the United States. Without intervention, most infants with biliary atresia will experience liver failure by the age of two, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.
The symptoms of biliary atresia typically present within the first few weeks of life and include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, pale stools, and an enlarged liver. In Shanaya’s case, these symptoms were evident from birth, and her condition rapidly worsened, leading to severe complications, including abdominal distension, bleeding in stools, and drowsiness.
The Life-Saving Transplant
By the time Shanaya was brought to Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, her condition was critical. The medical team, led by Dr Ashok Thorat, Senior Consultant in Pediatric Liver Transplant, and Dr Aditya Kulkarni, Associate Consultant in Pediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology, quickly diagnosed her with biliary atresia. "Shanaya’s condition was extremely critical when she arrived. Stabilising her for the complex surgery was a significant challenge," said Dr Thorat.
The team provided intensive preoperative care, including draining abdominal fluid, administering antibiotics, and offering nutritional support, to stabilise Shanaya for the liver transplant. Fortunately, her mother was identified as a perfect match and volunteered to be her daughter’s living donor. The 12-hour surgery was a success, marking a turning point in Shanaya’s journey towards recovery.
Post-surgery, Shanaya’s recovery was closely monitored in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). "Her recovery journey has been nothing short of inspiring. The collaborative effort of our paediatric hepatologists, ICU intensivists, surgeons, and nurses was instrumental in her healing," added Dr Kulkarni.
According to the doctors, the mother is also doing fine. She was discharged post surgery along with her child on the same day.
Also read: True Story: One-Year-Old Baby Boy Recovers From Severe Multi-Organ Infection
The Importance of Organ Donation
Shanaya’s case highlights the life-saving potential of organ donation, especially in cases of rare and severe conditions like biliary atresia. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial for survival, and in Shanaya’s case, organ donation was the key to saving her life. Her story serves as a reminder of the profound impact that organ donors can have on the lives of those in need.
Through the generosity of her mother and the dedication of her medical team, Shanaya now has the chance to live a healthy life, free from the shadows of her illness.