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BIOGRAPHY
Alisha was a healthy, full-term baby.
Alisha had no serious childhood illnesses until April 2005. Alisha was puffy under the eyes when she woke up.
On April 22nd 2005, Alisha had woken up and she could hardly see out of her eyes, her eyes were very puffy, including her face and legs. She could not pass urine, I took her to our local hospital. She had to have blood and urine tests done. Alisha was diagnosed with having Nephrotic Syndrome. Which meant she was on a fluid restriction and couldn't have added salt to her food, and was put on a high protein diet. She was weighed daily and had to have urine tests, and more blood tests. She was put on a high dose of medication. She was showing large amounts of protein in her urine.
The exact cause of Nephroitic Syndrome is not known and it cannot be prevented. However, research into this condition is ongoing and researchers are trying to develop increasingly effective treatments. Nephrotic Syndrome is usually caused by
an imbalance, from time to time, of the body's immune system. This imbalance causes certain chemicals to disturb the filters of the kidneys. These filters begin to allow proteins to leak into the urine.
According to the statistics, Nephrotic Syndrome can start at any age in children, but usually begins between the ages of two and five years. Alisha was 7 years.
It is a rare condtition that affects about 16 out of every 100,000 children at any given time, and it affects more boys than girls.
Alisha was discharged from hospital on April 28th 2005 on a reducing regime of medication. Everyday I have to do a urine test on her and keep an eye on what foods she eats i.e. the salt content. She has to drink a lot of water throughout the day.
We went to Brisbane to see a specialist (Nephrologist), and he told us that Alisha will probably be on medication until she reaches 16-17 years of age.
Alisha is doing well at the moment. The Paediatrician is pleased with her.
Written by Aileen, Alisha’s Mum.
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