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Hepatitis C (Expert Forum)
Adopted 4 yr old w/hep B
Questions posted in the Hepatitis C Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Adopted 4 yr old w/hep B
by Carol__0__0, Feb 28, 1999 12:00AM
A friend has adopted a 4 yr old girl from China. She learned, after she brought the child to the country that she has hepatitis B. She was told that the child has two to ten years to live and that nothing can be done to help this child. Is there a treatment? She believes that if the child is given a transplant, that the new liver will become diseased and it will simply prolong the child's death. What can be done?
Doctor's Answer
by HFHSM.D.-D.M., Feb 28, 1999 12:00AM
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Dear Carol
I am sorry to hear about your friend’s situation and I can only imagine how upsetting and stressful it is. However, I may be able to make some encouraging comments.
We’ve made a lot of progress with hepatitis B and we have new drugs available and in development that are very active against the hepatitis B virus. These medications can help effectively control the hepatitis B infection and they are especially effective in controlling the hepatitis B infection after liver transplant.
I am not certain where your friend’s daughter is being cared for but it will be critical that she be at a center where they have experience treating hepatitis B. It doesn’t sound like all the information your friend has is accurate and it will be critical that she obtain good information. Perhaps, if you tell me where your friend lives, I can try to identify a good pediatric hepatologist (liver specialist) in your area.
I hope this information is helpful to you. I would invite you to contact us again with additional information or questions. If you are near Detroit, we would be happy to see you here at Henry Ford. We have an active group of liver specialists with extensive experience with hepatitis B and with liver transplant. You can always contact us directly at (313) 916-8865.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
