Sri Lanka
Q1/2011: Long Term Medical Support for Children
May 31, 2011
Photo above: (From left) Tharindu, Madumekala, Fazeer, Madura and Gayan
Our Children’s Long Term Medical Treatment and Growth Hormone Project continues into 2011 with 5 children being treated to promote normal levels of growth and weight for their age and any other serious medical issues that are brought to our attention. Each month the families are seen by Prof. Sujeewa Amarasena, Head of the Department of Pediatrics at the Karapitya Teaching Hospital in Galle, Sri Lanka.
Real Medicine continues to provide food parcels and contribute to each family’s travel expenses incurred in visiting the hospital for the children’s treatment.
On the 26th of March, 5 of our children participated in a check-up and treatment session at the Karapitiya Hospital.
Madumekala had not gained as much progress in her height as we had hoped over these past 6 months. As of March 27th, Madu’s height is 124.1 centimeters and weight has risen to 21.6 kilograms. She is now 16 years old; her bone age is that of a 15 year old. Her family continues to receive a food parcel to supplement the hormone treatment. Moving forward, Prof. Sujeewa, the treating physician, is in the process of evaluating treatment and whether or not sex hormones will help.
Fazeer is 15 years old and is being treated for abnormally low height and weight. He has recently restarted his treatments after a short absence due to the cost of travel and as of March 26th. His height is 142 centimeters and weight is 36.8 kilograms. He is also given regular resupplies of an auto-injector so that he can be treated at home as well. We are hoping his height and weight will continue to improve now that he is attending more regularly.
Gayan is 14 years old and he studies in 5th grade. Gayan’s father is a farmer and has financial difficulties supporting his family. Because of Gayan’s low body weight, Prof. Sujeewa had recently prescribed an increase in the dosage of the growth hormone from 7 clicks of the auto-injector to 9 clicks per day. Gayan has grown in height with treatment but his weight is now the larger issue to be focused on. As of March 27th, his height is 142.5 and weight has grown to 25.6 kilograms.
Madura is now 13 years old and so far Prof. Sujeewa is pleased with his progress. As of March 26th, Madura’s height is 127.7 centimeters and weight is 24.1 kilograms. Madura will continue with the Growth Hormone Therapy until he is 16 years old.
Tharindu is now 18 years old and has been treated for hyperlipidemia since 2005. He has his blood profile taken every 3 months to check his cholesterol. Tharindu is continuing to receive his medication every 3 months as well as a nutritious food parcel every month. As he lost his mother in the Tsunami, his aunt prepares his healthy fat free diet for him. Tharindu is also taking a course at the local Technical College in Tangalle for driving light vehicles and is maintaining regular exercise such as swimming and cycling.