A 3-year-old boy named DD presented to the emergency room unconscious, having suffered two seizures in the past hour. He had a history of kidney problems, having had his left kidney removed and undergoing a kidney transplant. After the transplant, he was put on immunosuppressive therapy to prevent organ rejection. However, this made him more susceptible to infections, including Toxoplasma Encephalitis, which he contracted from playing in the litterbox of the family's new cat, Lola. The parasite caused inflammation in DD's brain, leading to his seizures and other symptoms. He was treated with antiparasitic medication and made a full neurologic recovery. The case highlights the importance of proper care and precautions for immunosuppressed patients, especially those with a history of organ transplants.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. A 3-year-old boy named DD presented to the emergency room unconscious after suffering two seizures.
2. DD's mother reported that he had been experiencing problems about 10 months prior, including saying that his "potty was red like an apple."
3. DD was diagnosed with hematuria, or blood in the urine.
4. Further testing revealed that DD had hydronephrosis, a condition where the kidneys become damaged due to an abnormal amount of water.
5. DD's kidneys were heavily damaged, and he was diagnosed with primary megaureter, a condition where the ureter is oversized.
6. DD's condition was caused by an anatomic abnormality at the ureterovesical junction, where the ureter connects to the bladder.
7. DD's kidney damage was so severe that he needed to have his left kidney removed.
8. DD's right kidney was also damaged, causing bilateral hydronephrosis.
9. DD was put on dialysis and was placed on a waiting list for a kidney transplant.
10. Six months later, DD underwent a successful kidney transplant.
11. After the transplant, DD was put on immunosuppressive therapy to prevent organ rejection.
12. DD's immune system was suppressed, making him more susceptible to infections.
13. DD started complaining of headaches and was diagnosed with encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.
14. It was discovered that DD had Toxoplasma Encephalitis, a parasitic infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite.
15. The parasite was likely transmitted to DD through his cat, Lola, who had been adopted from a shelter.
16. DD was exposed to the parasite through contact with cat feces in the litterbox.
17. The parasite traveled through DD's body and infected his brain, causing lesions and deficits.
18. DD was treated with antiparasitic medication, including sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine, to inhibit the parasite's DNA and RNA production.
19. DD was also given leucovorin to prevent his own cells from being affected by the medication.
20. With proper treatment and monitoring, DD made a full neurologic recovery and was able to live a relatively normal childhood.
Note: Some facts were not included as they were not relevant to the main story or were too detailed for a fact list.