Mangalore: Meet Gaurav - A Tiny Eight-teen Seeking Treatment

DHNS
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Mangalore, Dec 5: A J Hospital and Research Centre Mangalore brings a silver lining and a host of hope into the life of Ananda and Bhagya couple from Somwarpete in Kodagu district.

The couple have been traumatised after seeing their 18-year-old son Gaurav being treated as a museum piece by the society because though Gaurav is 18 year old, he has physically grown only as an year old child.

Gaurav is 74 cm tall and weighs 8 kgs. After having consulted several doctors who had written across the fate of the boy that ‘nothing can be done,’ the challenge has been taken up by AJ Hospital and the boy has been started with the initial doses of thyroxine injections. With complete treatment procedure, which will last upto 4 years, Gaurav is expected to grow over 4.5 feet.

Gaurav, as his father says is a very strong boy as despite all odds he is determined to study. He is presently studying in 8th standard in a special school in Kodagu.

A J Hospital Medical Director Dr Prashanth Marla said that the investigation of the case revealed that the boy is suffering from a condition known as ‘panhypopituitarism’ where the growth hormone, thyroid hormones, sex hormones and prolactin were found to be very low. If the pituitary is not able to produce these hormones, the growth of an individual will suffer.

Endocrinologist Dr Ganesh H K said that there are two kinds of disorder. In some cases, the bone does not grow at all and these cases cannot be rectified. But in this case where the growth is restricted due to lack of hormone production, can be cured by supplying the required dose of hormones.

The only obstacle now for Gaurav is the monetary crunch. Mr Anand is an agriculturist and he cannot afford to shell out the money required for the treatment. The treatment which could have been started years ago was delayed precisely due to the same reason.

“The treatment will required about Rs 3 lakh per year as the rest of hormones barring thyroxine are expensive. As the body starts growing, the dosage required too will increase and accordingly the cost too will shoot up,” said Dr Ganesh.

However A J Hospital has come forth to provide all support treatment free of cost. The parents are now wishing that some generous donors could lend a helping hand so that Gaurav leads a normal life.

Those interested to contribute may send in their contributions to Central Bank of India SB account no 1189207821.