An urgent appeal has been launched on social media to help save the life of two-year-old Cuban girl Ester Lianet Asprón, who suffers from severe hydrocephalus and is currently in critical condition at the Pediatric Hospital of Las Tunas. Activist Nelson Álvarez, known on social media as "El Porfiao," has requested immediate aid to raise funds for procuring a crucial ventricular self-regulating valve needed by the young patient, which the hospital lacks.
"There is no time to lose," Álvarez emphasized in a Facebook post.
"Friends, this little girl is Ester Lianet Asprón, two years old, and has undergone five surgeries. She is in critical condition because she needs a ventricular self-regulating valve. The child suffers from hydrocephalus and is now in a very grave state at the Pediatric Hospital of Las Tunas," Álvarez shared in another social media post.
Álvarez implored for "urgent help from everyone to try to save the child's life."
"If we gather the funds, I have a way to purchase it," he stated, providing two bank account numbers (CUP-9205959879504109 and MLC-9235959873600758) for donations to acquire the medical device, and a phone number for confirmation (52523871). Donations can also be made via a GoFundMe account.
The activist shared a photo of the required medical device: a self-regulating valve for hydrocephalus, which is placed from the brain to the bladder to continuously drain cerebrospinal fluid.
Challenges and Medical Details
Álvarez explained that currently, the patient does not have a valve but instead has an external tube, making her vulnerable to bacterial infections. He specified that a medium-pressure valve is needed.
Hydrocephalus is a condition affecting patients who cannot regulate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid produced by the ventricular system through the body's natural pathways.
Medical literature warns that in individuals with hydrocephalus, cerebrospinal fluid is not normally absorbed by the venous system but accumulates in the brain's ventricles. "If left untreated, the increasing fluid volume raises the patient's intracranial pressure, leading to severe medical conditions such as brain tissue compression and altered blood flow to the brain."
Due to the severe crisis in Cuba's healthcare system, hospitals lack basic medications and medical supplies, such as the valves needed by hydrocephalus patients, most of whom are children. Consequently, requests for assistance from families and activists on social media to obtain these supplies from abroad are frequent.
The Cuban government acknowledges the healthcare system crisis and the shortage of drugs and supplies, which particularly affect chronic disease patients. Complaints from parents about the difficulties in safeguarding their sick children highlight the state's inefficiency in ensuring the population's health on the island.
Understanding the Urgent Needs for Hydrocephalus Treatment in Cuba
The following questions and answers provide insights into the critical situation faced by young patients with hydrocephalus in Cuba, highlighting the challenges and potential solutions.
What is hydrocephalus, and how does it affect patients?
Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles, leading to increased intracranial pressure. If untreated, it can cause severe medical issues such as brain tissue compression and disrupted blood flow to the brain.
Why is there an urgent need for a ventricular self-regulating valve for Ester Lianet Asprón?
Ester Lianet Asprón urgently needs a ventricular self-regulating valve because she currently has an external tube, increasing her risk of bacterial infections. The valve will help manage the cerebrospinal fluid and reduce intracranial pressure, which is crucial for her survival.
How can people contribute to help Ester Lianet Asprón?
People can contribute by donating to the provided bank account numbers (CUP-9205959879504109 and MLC-9235959873600758) or via GoFundMe. They can also confirm their donations by calling the provided phone number (52523871).