3 BTC AND COUNTING FOR FILIPINO INFANTS LIVER TRANSPLANT
Imagine the sheer terror of learning your infant has a life-threatening liver disease, with a year or two to live without a transplant.This is the reality faced by many Filipino families whose children are diagnosed with conditions like biliary atresia, a devastating disease affecting newborns. 142 votes, 32 comments. The Philippines has a small but thriving Bitcoin community, and one of the things we can be proud of is that we can getTwenty-seven out of every 1,000 deaths in the Philippines are attributed to liver diseases, highlighting a silent but deadly health crisis, and it's not just affecting adults.Thankfully, amidst this heart-wrenching situation, glimmers of hope shine through, often powered by the generosity and innovation of the Bitcoin community.Currently, a digital wallet created to aid Filipino infants in need of a liver transplant sits at 3.3 BTC, representing a significant contribution towards saving young lives.This article will delve into the challenges of liver disease in Filipino children, the complexities of liver transplantation, and the inspiring ways that communities, including the Bitcoin community, are stepping up to make a difference, offering a lifeline to these vulnerable little ones and their families.We will explore the ongoing efforts, medical breakthroughs, and the enduring hope that fuels this critical cause.The goal is to spread awareness, educate, and provide resources to families who need it the most.
The Growing Crisis of Liver Disease in Filipino Infants
Liver disease in the Philippines presents a significant public health concern. With their affordable medical services, hospitals in India have been a primary option for Filipinos who need to undergo liver transplant, especially children with biliary atresia. As of January 2025, Senator Go helped 46 such children receive assistance from the Office of the President for their families' round-trip tickets and accommodation inWhile often associated with adults and lifestyle factors, a surprising number of Filipino children also suffer from congenital and hereditary liver diseases.The situation is further complicated by factors such as limited access to specialized medical care and the high cost of treatment.
Rising Incidence of Biliary Atresia
The number of Filipino children being diagnosed with Biliary Atresia and other neonatal cholestatic liver diseases is steadily increasing. Why might my child need a liver transplant? A liver transplant is recommended for children who have serious liver problems and will die without a new liver. The most common liver disease in children who need transplants is biliary atresia. This is a rare disease of the liver and bile ducts that occurs in newborns. Other conditions may include:This condition, where the bile ducts outside and inside the liver are blocked, can lead to cirrhosis and eventual liver failure if left untreated.
Why is Liver Disease So Deadly for Infants?
A well-functioning liver is essential to life.The liver, a large organ situated on the right side of the abdomen, has vitally important jobs, including:
- Filtering and removing toxins from the blood
- Producing substances that help blood clot
- Producing bile, which helps to digest fats, carbohydrates, and proteins
When an infant's liver fails, these critical functions are compromised, leading to severe health complications and, ultimately, death.
The Promise of Liver Transplantation: A Lifeline for Filipino Children
For many Filipino children with end-stage liver disease, a liver transplant is the only chance for survival.However, access to this life-saving procedure remains a significant challenge, both logistically and financially.
The History of Liver Transplantation in the Philippines
Liver transplantation in the Philippines has faced numerous hurdles.For a long time, survival outcomes weren't encouraging enough to inspire confidence, forcing families to seek treatment abroad. Liver transplantation in infants less than 1 year of age is technically demanding but feasible and still can be performed with a good outcome. Age alone (under 1 year) should not be considered as a contraindication for liver transplantation.This placed an enormous economic and emotional burden on them.
Medical City's Breakthrough and the Rise of Local Expertise
The Medical City (TMC) has been at the forefront of advancing liver transplantation in the Philippines.Their partnership with other institutions has marked a significant milestone in local healthcare.Baby Czarina was the first liver transplant patient under the TMC-RMC Partnership.
Types of Liver Transplants for Children
Several types of liver transplants are performed on children, depending on the child's size and condition:
- Whole Liver Transplant: The entire liver from a deceased donor of similar age or weight is used.
- Cut Down (Reduced Graft) Liver Transplant: A portion of a deceased donor liver is used, carefully sized to fit the child.
- Living Donor Liver Transplant: A portion of the liver is taken from a healthy living donor (usually a parent or close relative) and transplanted into the child.The donor's liver will regenerate over time.
Is Liver Transplantation Safe for Infants?
Liver transplantation in infants less than 1 year of age is technically demanding, but feasible. For the first time, a Filipino child has received a funds-sponsored pediatric liver transplant through the partnership between Chinese General HospitalIt can be performed with a good outcome. The number of Filipino children being diagnosed with Biliary Atresia and other neonatal cholestatic liver disease is continuously rising, and many of them will develop cirrhosis and eventuallyAge alone (under 1 year) should not be considered a contraindication for liver transplantation.Proper post-operative care is necessary, although there are currently no official guidelines published for primary care physicians regarding the management of liver transplant patients.
Navigating the Financial Challenges of Liver Transplantation
The cost of a liver transplant is substantial, often placing it out of reach for many Filipino families.This is where fundraising efforts and charitable initiatives play a crucial role.
The Role of Government and Charitable Organizations
Senator Christopher Lawrence ""Bong"" Go and President Rodrigo Duterte stressed the need to capacitate the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) to perform affordable liver transplants so that Filipino patients need not go abroad for such medical operations. Filipino Post-Liver Transplant Patients of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Kaoshiung City, Taiwan. miraclesdohappen PostLiverTransplant BiliaryAtresiaWarriorAssistance is provided by the Office of the President for families' round-trip tickets and accommodation.
Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center have also sponsored liver transplants for Filipino children, and Ms. Transplanting Life for Patients with Liver Disease in the Philippines By Ramon Rivera, MD, MBA. For so long, liver transplantation in the Philippines had not produced survival outcomes that could rally confidence among Filipinos, necessitating having the procedure done in reputable centers abroad, with much economic and emotional burden on the patients' family members.Hong Yuhua (Teresita Ang See) has facilitated referrals to Renji Hospital in Shanghai, China.These initiatives demonstrate the power of collaboration in addressing this critical healthcare need.
The Rise of Medical Tourism: India and Taiwan as Options
Due to affordability, hospitals in India have become a primary option for Filipinos needing liver transplants, especially children with biliary atresia. 5.8M subscribers in the Bitcoin community. Bitcoin is the currency of the Internet: a distributed, worldwide, decentralized digital money. UnlikeTaiwan is also a popular destination for Filipino families needing liver transplants.
How the Bitcoin Community is Making a Difference
The Philippines has a small but thriving Bitcoin community. Comprehensive information on liver transplantation, including indications, evaluation, and management, for healthcare professionals and patients.Individuals within this community have harnessed the power of cryptocurrency to raise funds for Filipino children needing liver transplants.The current wallet holding 3.3 BTC exemplifies this generosity. 3 BTC and Counting for Filipino Infant s Liver Transplant disease biliary atresia and given a year or two to live unless she received a transplant. wallet sits at 3.3 BTC at the time ofThis initiative showcases the potential of digital currencies to facilitate transparent and efficient fundraising for medical causes.
Understanding Biliary Atresia: The Most Common Reason for Liver Transplants in Children
Biliary Atresia is a rare disease of the liver and bile ducts that occurs in newborns.It is the most common reason why children need liver transplants.
What Causes Biliary Atresia?
The exact cause of biliary atresia is unknown, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.It is not contagious.
What are the Symptoms of Biliary Atresia?
Symptoms of biliary atresia usually appear within the first few weeks of life and may include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Swollen abdomen
How is Biliary Atresia Diagnosed?
Diagnosing biliary atresia can be challenging. In the last 28 months, 35 babies from the Philippines have underwent successful liver transplant in India as part of the Philippines-India Pediatric Liver Transplant Program.The process typically involves:
- Physical examination
- Blood tests to assess liver function
- Ultrasound of the liver and bile ducts
- Liver biopsy (taking a small sample of liver tissue for examination)
- Cholangiogram (an X-ray of the bile ducts)
What is the Treatment for Biliary Atresia?
The initial treatment for biliary atresia is a surgical procedure called the Kasai procedure (hepatoportoenterostomy). The following types of liver transplant are also undertaken in children, but in smaller numbers: Whole liver. In this type of transplant, the liver is an appropriate size for the child and the whole liver is used. The liver will be from a donor with a similar age or weight of the recipient. Cut down (reduced graft)This involves removing the blocked bile ducts and connecting the small intestine directly to the liver.The Kasai procedure aims to restore bile flow from the liver. A Filipino child underwent a liver transplant sponsored by Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center. Additionally, the family of the child will pay no feeIt is not a cure, but it can delay or prevent the need for a liver transplant. The Medical City,desk-daily,eds- ,infant transplant,pediatric transplant,robotic surgery,liver surgery,transplant milestone,Philippines healthcare,liver donation,medical city hospital,Baby Is First Liver Transplant Patient Under TMC-RMC Partnership,A 14-month-old received the first liver transplant in the Philippines through a living donor, with the donor undergoing robotic surgery.A liver transplant is needed when the Kasai procedure is not successful, or the liver eventually fails.
The Living Donor Option: A Gift of Life from Loved Ones
Living donor liver transplantation offers a vital alternative for children in need.It involves transplanting a portion of the liver from a healthy living donor, usually a parent or close relative.
Benefits of Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Living donor liver transplantation offers several advantages:
- Shorter waiting times: Eliminates the need to wait for a deceased donor liver to become available.
- Better outcomes: Living donor livers often function better than deceased donor livers.
- Planned surgery: Allows for careful scheduling and preparation for both the recipient and the donor.
The Living Donor Evaluation Process
Potential living donors undergo a comprehensive evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough to donate a portion of their liver.This evaluation includes:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Blood tests to assess liver function and overall health
- Imaging studies of the liver
- Psychological evaluation
The Donor's Recovery Process
After the surgery, the liver usually regenerates, returning to its normal size within a few months. No official document has been published for primary care physicians regarding the management of liver transplant patients. With no official source of reference, primary care physicians often question their care of these patients. The following guidelines have been approved by the American Society of Transplantation and represent the position of the association. The data presented are based onDonors typically require several weeks of recovery time before returning to their normal activities.
Post-Transplant Care: Ensuring Long-Term Health and Well-being
Following a liver transplant, children require lifelong medical care to ensure their new liver functions properly and to prevent rejection.
Immunosuppressant Medications: Preventing Rejection
To prevent the body from rejecting the new liver, children must take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of their lives.These medications weaken the immune system, making it less likely to attack the transplanted organ.There are certain guidelines approved by the American Society of Transplantation that represent the position of the association.
Potential Complications of Immunosuppression
Immunosuppressant medications can have side effects, including:
- Increased risk of infection
- Kidney problems
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk of certain cancers
Regular Monitoring and Follow-Up Care
Children who have received liver transplants require regular monitoring and follow-up care, including:
- Blood tests to assess liver function and medication levels
- Imaging studies of the liver
- Regular check-ups with a transplant specialist
How You Can Help: Contributing to the Cause
There are several ways you can support Filipino children in need of liver transplants:
Donating to Reputable Organizations
Consider donating to established charitable organizations that provide financial assistance to families needing liver transplants. Kovind said in a tweet, this is an example of how India-Philippines ties incorporate a strong human connection. May these adorable babies have a healthy and blessed future. My best wishes to their parents too.Litro Babies Phils Inc - LIver TRansplant Operation @ New Delhi Apollo Hospital is one organization dedicated to supporting children suffering from liver diseases who urgently require life-saving liver transplants.
Spreading Awareness
Share information about liver disease and the need for organ donation on social media and within your community.Educating others can help raise awareness and inspire action.
Supporting the Bitcoin Community's Efforts
If you are familiar with Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, consider contributing to the digital wallet that is currently raising funds for Filipino infants needing liver transplants. Special thanks to Ms. Hong Yuhua (Teresita Ang See), a Filipino civic leader who focuses on issues affecting the Chinese Filipino community, for her role in facilitating referral system for liver transplant patients from Chinese General Hospital Medical Center, Manila, Philippines to Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China, highlighting the friendship between our two countries.This is a direct way to provide financial assistance and support this vital cause.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the survival rate after a liver transplant in children?
The survival rate after a liver transplant in children is generally very good, with many children living long and healthy lives after the procedure. So tuloy-tuloy naman itong mga positibong mga ginagawa po ng mga uh nagtutulungan na Filipinos and Chinese uh people to people uh efforts or initiatives ano another good news between ah China in the Philippines is de ah liver transplant ah sponsored by the let me see if I can expand it so I can to read it ah ah the ah Chinese General Hospital and Shanghai Renji Hospital a Filipino Child hasThe specific survival rate depends on several factors, including the child's age, underlying condition, and overall health.
How long do children need to take immunosuppressant medications after a liver transplant?
Children need to take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of their lives after a liver transplant to prevent rejection of the new liver. Thank You MRS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES for checking our Filipino Patients LITRO Babies Phils Inc - LIver TRansplant Operation @ New Delhi Apollo Hospital.However, the dosage of these medications may be adjusted over time based on the child's individual needs.
Can a child live a normal life after a liver transplant?
Yes, many children who have received liver transplants are able to live normal, active lives.They can attend school, participate in sports, and enjoy a full range of activities. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind yesterday interacted with the Filipino families of infants, who underwent liver transplant in India. br/ 'Indian medRegular medical follow-up and adherence to medication regimens are essential for maintaining long-term health.
Where can Filipino families go for liver transplants?
Liver transplants can be done in the Philippines at hospitals like The Medical City.Families also opt to go abroad to India and Taiwan.
Conclusion: A Future Filled with Hope
The journey for Filipino infants with liver disease and their families is filled with immense challenges, but it's also a story of resilience, compassion, and hope.The ongoing efforts of medical professionals, government agencies, charitable organizations, and the Bitcoin community are making a tangible difference in the lives of these vulnerable children.By increasing awareness, providing financial support, and advocating for improved access to transplantation services, we can create a future where more Filipino infants have the opportunity to live long, healthy lives.The 3 BTC and counting represents more than just a number; it symbolizes a community's commitment to saving lives. On behalf of Litro Babies Phils, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children suffering from liver diseases who urgently require life-saving liver transplants. Every year, many FilipinoLet us continue to support these efforts and bring hope to those who need it most. Twenty-seven out of every 1,000 deaths in the Philippines are attributed to liver diseases, a silent but deadly health crisis in the country. While liver diseases are often linked to adults and lifestyle-related factors, many Filipino children also suffer from congenital and hereditary liverRemember to spread awareness, donate if you can, and consider becoming an organ donor.Your actions can save a life.
Comments