Baby Fatima came to Afshar Hospital with a fever, an infection, and no appetite. In addition, she was severely jaundice, a condition that doctors describe as a yellow discoloration of the body. At just 7 days old and severely dehydrated, a laboratory test revealed Fatima had hemolytic anemia, a form of anemia in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. Red blood cells are essential to our bodies. Their purpose is to carry oxygen and are replaced by new ones approximately every 120 days. In hemolytic anemia, the red blood cells are destroyed quicker than normal, leaving a low count. Dr. Obaid immediately began a fluid resuscitation for rehydration.

Additional lab results showed Fatima had a high level of bilirubin which caused the yellow discoloration of Fatima’s body. Bilirubin is an orange-yellow substance made during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. It passes through the liver and out the body. A high level of bilirubin often indicates liver problems and was directly related to Fatima’s anemia.

Dr. Obaid immediately treated Fatima with antibiotics and double phototherapy. Soon thereafter new tests revealed Fatima was getting better and the bilirubin levels continued to drop to a normal level.

It was while Fatima’s parents were searching for medicine at a local medical store, in the mountainous area of Kabul where they live, that they were referred to Afshar Hospital by a business owner. Fatima’s parents expressed deep gratitude towards Dr. Obaid and everyone at Afshar.

Fatima is able to grow up healthy thanks to the care she received at Afshar Hospital. After spending eight days sick at Afshar, Fatima is now able to share smiles and love with her mother.