According to a medical report from the Medical Research Council (MRC) The Gambia, Aissatou Diaby has been followed up since the first year of life, as she was diagnosed with complete atrioventricular septal defect and severe regurgitation on the left atrioventricular value; associated with some other syndromic findings: bilateral polydactyly of the hands, limb, shortening, skeletal dysplasia and disproportionate short stature.
According to the report, all these findings can be suggestive of Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome.
The medical report further revealed that, the patient’s heart condition is critical and necessitates specialised surgical repair to improve her quality of life and long- term health outcomes.
Aissatou is under treatment with spironolactone, enalapril and furosemide to prevent decline of her heart failure.
Nevertheless, the patient has experienced progressive symptoms, including failure to thrive, short stature, shortness of breath, reduced exercise tolerance, gait difficulty and severe deformation in both legs. Unfortunately, with the specialised expertise required but due to lack of resources, Aissatou cannot access the required surgery in their home country within an acceptable time frame.
The medical report recommend that the young girl will benefit significantly from this intervention, adding that without it, she might face a high risk of worsening heart failure, arrhythmia, or sudden cardiac death.
At the moment, the family of the young girl has expressed their commitment to following all medical recommendations and post operative care plans.
In the same vein, MRC expressed commitment to continue supporting them with their preoperative preparation and post-operative follow-up upon their return.
Please feel free to contact at babatan@mrc.gm if you require further details about Aissatou’s condition or the necessity of this treatment.
Anyone willing to support the young girl can contact the following numbers: +220 7393855 or +220 6414334.
