Family left with shock diagnosis after brave eight-year-old girl suddenly 'turned yellow'
10.06.2022 - 20:17
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The family of a courageous eight-year-old who was diagnosed with a rare liver condition after suddenly turning yellow are hoping to get her the transplant she needs.
In late 2021, Imogen McGrath, from Eccles, suddenly turned 'yellow' and became poorly. She then underwent tests and stayed in hospital for two weeks, where she was diagnosed with liver failure.
What followed was a diagnosis for a liver condition called Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH). The chronic condition is liver inflammation that occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own liver cells.
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According to the British Liver Trust, there are roughly 10,000 people in the UK who are living with AIH. AIH can develop at any age, but it is more common in women.
The condition is managed with steroids and immunosuppressant medication. Side effects of AIH can include fatigue, chronic pain, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
Imogen's older sister, Danielle, 17, told the M.E.N. about the eight-year-old's brave journey.
Danielle, an A-Level student, said: "Last year, Imogen was diagnosed with liver failure. Plus, she now has got a strong allergy to milk.
"She was a bright, happy, seven-year-old, and when she turned eight, things went downhill.One night, she turned yellow.
"We thought she had an infection. So she went to the GP, then it was A&E, and then she was admitted to the liver ward at St James' University Hospital in Leeds. It all happened in the same week.
"The hospital in Leeds saved her life- they rushed to get samples and bloods right away. It is unbelievable, how the condition just