Life> Health

Little girl seeks cure in capital

By Yang Wanli and Xu Fan (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-11-17 15:15

Family is hoping for answers and help in diagnosing her strange condition.

A 4-year-old girl from Shanxi province who has a massively oversized stomach began a battery of tests at a local hospital after arriving in Beijing on Tuesday in search of a cure.

Hu Yunxing and her parents went to the Second Artillery General Hospital for treatment thanks to the intervention of the NGO Angel Mom, which became involved after her plight was highlighted by media and netizens.

"She was lying on the narrow bed in the train last night. The unfamiliar surroundings and pain caused by the long trip made her a little upset," said Lu Hongke, the hospital's media spokesperson.

Lu said the girl had been admitted to the hospital and would undergo further examinations in the hope of diagnosing the disease.

Hu, who now weighs more than 25 kilograms, was found to have a bigger belly that her peers eight months after she was born in February 2006.

Her waist has continued to grow at an alarming rate.

Hu Yunxing and her mother at the Second Artillery General Hospital. Lin hui / for China Daily

Hu Yunxing and her mother at the Second Artillery General Hospital. [Photo/Lin hui / for China Daily]

Typically, children of her age have a waist of between 20 and 30 cm. Hers is 106 cm. Hu's parents have been taking her to see doctors for the past four years but still have not got any answers.

It has been reported that Hu's father is a farmer who earns less than 1,000 yuan a month.

He told the Mirror Evening News that Hu loved dancing when her belly was smaller. But he said she no longer dances and has stopped interacting with others because of her unusual shape.

The girl is reportedly suspected of having Budd-Chiari Syndrome, which is caused by the blockage of veins in the stomach.

Bian Ce, a doctor at the Second Artillery General Hospital of PLA who is in charge of Hu's case, said a buildup of fluid has led to the compression of organs.

Bian said the exact mode of treatment will be decided after additional tests but the medical bill will likely hit 80,000 yuan.

Shen Li, director of the part of Angel Mom that works with poor families and the person working on Hu's case, told METRO they have helped other children with the disease.

"We have succeeded in saving four children suffering from the same illness and we do hope Hu will feel better soon," she said.

She said Hu's medical bills will be met by Angel Mom. The organization opened a bank account on Monday so people who want to help Hu can donate.

"If we collect more than we need to cover the medical bills we will transfer additional money to other children who need help," she said.

Shen said the foundation may set up a specific program for children suffering from Budd-Chiari Syndrome.

Huang Yuli contributed to this story.