Latest news with #livertransplant
Arab News
09-07-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Riyadh hospital succeeds in rare disease treatment
RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh has provided 22 years of care for a patient with a rare genetic blood clotting disorder, culminating in a successful liver transplant — the first worldwide for this condition. Diagnosed in infancy with congenital plasminogen deficiency, the patient required ongoing treatment to manage fibrous deposits affecting her tissues and organs, according to a press release. Over the two decades, a multidisciplinary team including hematology, transplant specialists, nursing, nutrition and IT supported her care, the report said. The patient's father said: 'She suffered from birth and couldn't nurse. We had no clear answers until we found hope through the care provided by the Saudi government. After 22 years of struggle, we witness our daughter's recovery.' The treatment involved regular plasminogen infusions and eyedrops to reduce the disease's effect on her vision, with annual costs exceeding SR6 million ($1.6 million), fully covered by the government. Dr. Hazzaa Al-Zahrani, director of the adult hematology and stem-cell transplant division at the center and supervising physician, said that managing the case required a precise and long-term approach to prevent complications and ensure stability. He said that the decision to proceed with a liver transplant came after careful consideration as an extraordinary therapeutic option for this exceptionally rare case. The procedure's success marked a turning point in her medical journey and was a beacon of hope for patients with similar conditions worldwide, Al-Zahrani added.
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
A Life Rewritten: KFSHRC treats rare disease after 22 years of specialized care
In a rare example of a lifelong bond between a patient and a healthcare institution, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh has continued to support a patient since infancy, providing 22 years of continuous care for a rare genetic blood clotting disorder, ultimately culminating in a liver transplant—the first of its kind globally for this particular condition. When the early signs of illness appeared during the patient's first months of life, KFSHRC teams raced against time to stabilize her condition. She was diagnosed with a congenital deficiency in plasminogen, a protein essential for dissolving blood clots, resulting in fibrous deposits that posed serious threats to her tissues and organs. The complexity of her case posed both medical and quality-of-life challenges, requiring a comprehensive, multidisciplinary care system. This extended beyond medical treatment to include all facets of life-supporting care. Teams from nursing, nutrition, and information technology joined hematology and transplant specialists to ensure the young girl's well-being. In a reflection on the early days, the patient's father said: 'My daughter suffered from the moment she was born. She cried constantly and couldn't nurse. We lived in continuous worry with no clear answers until God opened a door of hope. Today, thanks to God first, and then to the remarkable healthcare capabilities provided by the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, may God preserve them, we witness our daughter's recovery from this rare disease after two decades of struggle.' Throughout the years of treatment, the patient relied on regular intravenous doses of plasminogen, along with eye drops to reduce the disease's effect on her vision. The annual cost of treatment exceeded 6 million SAR, fully covered by the Saudi government. This reflects the Kingdom's profound commitment to human health and its investment in quality of life even in the most complex medical cases. Dr. Hazzaa Al-Zahrani, Director of Adult Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Division at KFSHRC Riyadh and the supervising physician, explained that managing the case required a precise and long-term approach to prevent complications and ensure stability. The decision to proceed with a liver transplant came after careful consideration as an extraordinary therapeutic option for an exceptionally rare case. The success of the procedure marked a turning point in her medical journey and a beacon of hope for patients facing similar conditions worldwide. This approach is deeply rooted in the vision of King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, which places the patient at the core of every practice and is committed to delivering integrated care where scientific expertise meets human compassion, in line with its mission to serve society at the highest standards.
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Veteran broadcaster Derryn Hinch, 81, shares shock health update after accident left him with 'two black eyes' following heart issue and skin cancer battle
Veteran broadcaster Derryn Hinch has shared an update amid his ongoing health battles. After undergoing treatment for skin cancer and a heart issue in 2024, the 81-year-old has now revealed he suffered a fall during the Christmas break that left him needing a walker. 'I spent Christmas Day with two black eyes,' he explained on 10 News+ on Tuesday night. 'I was at Linda's [Stoner, Derryn's partner] place and I tripped trying to get up out of a chair, and my nose hit the table.' He added that since using a walker, which he has affectionately nicknamed 'Johnny' after the ordeal, it has given him renewed 'confidence'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Now I have got a walker, that will speed me up and gives you incredible confidence,' he added. 'I say to anyone who has leg problems or balance problems – "get a walker." Pride comes before the fall.' Derryn also opened up about undergoing a liver transplant in 2011 after being diagnosed with aggressive cancer and advanced cirrhosis. Admitting that he died on the operating table, Derryn brushed off criticism he faced after admitting to drinking following the transplant. 'I got a 28-year-old's liver, and I met his family,' he said. 'People criticised me because I still had my occasional glass of wine, white wine with ice in it or frozen grapes. But I thought, if I've got five more years to live, I want to live them well.' Despite admitting to the occasional tipple, Derryn added that the amount he drank during his heyday was 'effing stupid'. 'I drank far too much,' he said. 'I'm glad they didn't have mobile phones when we used to drink at the Sebel Townhouse.' It comes after Derryn revealed, in December, that he was admitted to hospital for a heart issue. He was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, also known as an irregular heartbeat, in November and underwent electroshock therapy to reset his heart rhythm. 'I found myself getting short of breath and I thought "this is not normal", so I went to my doctor and had an ECG (electrocardiogram)' he told the Herald Sun. 'My cardiologist booked me into hospital and on Thursday they gave me an electric shock to the heart, which is pretty scary, but it worked' he continued. 'It put my heart back into a regular rhythm and I will just see how it improves my breathing in the weeks ahead.' He also revealed, in June last year, that he was facing a 'pretty serious' skin cancer battle. Derryn told the Herald Sun he was currently undergoing five weeks of daily radiation treatment in a bid to get rid of a melanoma on his forehead. The cancerous spot just below his hairline was first discovered by doctors in February and he had it removed, but medics weren't able to take out the entire area. He then visited the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to have a further operation to remove the melanoma and he is now undergoing radiation as 'insurance'. 'It is not good. I have had two operations on my face and they still have to do radiation,' he said. 'The only good news is they looked at a spot that I was operated on about eight years ago on the other side (of his forehead) and that is clear. 'I tick off each day and once that day is gone, it is gone. It is pretty serious but as someone once said, that's life.'
CTV News
02-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Ottawa firefighter receives liver transplant
Ottawa Watch An Ottawa firefighter is recovering after receiving a life-saving liver transplant from a fellow firefighter. CTV's Katie Griffin shares his story.
CTV News
02-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Ottawa firefighter recovering after lifesaving liver transplant donated by colleague
An Ottawa firefighter is recovering after receiving a lifesaving liver transplant from a fellow colleague. 'I feel 10 years younger than I did before the surgery,' said Matt Gobey. 'My energy is better, my mood is better, I'm not getting migraines anymore.' The Ottawa firefighter had end-stage liver disease and spoke to CTV News Ottawa about his desperate search for a donor in January. His wife launched a social media campaign trying to reach as many potential donors as possible. His transplant took place in Toronto in May. Ottawa fire Matt Gobey gives a thumbs up as he leaves hospital following a liver transplant in May. (Michèle-Laure Gobey/Provided) 'I'm back to driving. I'm back to showering unassisted. Little things that I used to take for granted that I haven't been able to do,' Gobey said. 'I still can't carry a heavy bag of groceries, but I'll get there.' He said he's recovering well and that hours after surgery, he was able to walk on his own from one bed to another when he had to switch rooms 'much to everyone's surprise, including my own.' Gobey's wife Michèle-Laure says it's been life changing. 'My biggest thing that I've noticed in him is that he's able to have fun and just laugh and sit and enjoy the moments,' she said. 'Just from our past work, we're usually the ones giving the help and now to get the help, it's just been very healing, very incredible, very emotional and now he's back.' No one in Gobey's family was a match but someone in his firefighter family was. 'I just feel as firefighters, we have this dedication to each other and leaving no one behind,' said Genna McMillan, who was tested and told she was the ideal donor for Gobey. She says this highlights the importance of the living donor program. 'I'm feeling energized. Everything's healed up really well and I'm feeling really, really great,' McMillan said. 'When I got to see Matt feeling better and up and walking around, it made any discomfort I was going through totally worth it and that's what it was all about. I would highly recommend it.' Matt Gobey Ottawa firefighters Genna McMillan (left) and Matt Gobey after McMillan donated part of her liver to him. (Michèle-Laure Gobey) Ottawa fire Ottawa firefighter Genna McMillan was presented with a donor medal after donating part of her liver to a colleague (Genna McMillan/Provided) Gobey said thank you will never be enough to express his gratitude. 'The risk, the cost, the discomfort, everything she had to endure to give me my life back. Give my wife her husband back, give my kids their dad back. I don't know if there are words for it,' Gobey said. McMillan added: 'It's so incredible to have had the opportunity to be a part of that journey with Michèle and Matt. I'm just really, really excited for them and I'm really looking forward to hopefully getting back to work. That'll be a really exciting day for all of us at Ottawa Fire.' There's no timeline for it yet but getting back to work is something Gobey is looking forward to. 'That's how I'll know I've really got my life back is when I can get back to doing the job I love,' he said.
