The patient's story we presented in a television broadcast tells about 33-year-old Hajibaba Bahar khanim returning from a critical condition to a normal life. Bahar khanim, who had been treated in Iran for five years while her condition steadily worsened, applied to us in 2014.
First visit in critical condition
When I first met Bahar khanim's mother, she was crying, stating that her daughter was living her last days. The patient was in a very severe condition: she did not eat, had no appetite, did not get out of bed, and needed the help of family members even to do the smallest chore. Relatives were already coming to say goodbye to her. I told her that healing comes from Allah, and we would do our best.
Hepatitis B and D infection
Signs of liver cirrhosis were detected during the patient's initial examination. Although Bahar khanim had previously visited many clinics, she had only been diagnosed as a hepatitis B carrier, and no one had thought to test for hepatitis D. Seeing cirrhotic signs in the liver, we suspected hepatitis D, and as a result of tests, both hepatitis B and D viruses were detected in the blood. The patient's diagnosis was chronic hepatitis B plus D virus (coinfection), liver cirrhosis, and erosive gastropathy.
A difficult treatment history of a patient
In the first stage of treatment, we treated the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Our main goal was to organize nutrition properly, because proper nutrition leads to positive changes in the immune system. The treatment process was very thorny; when the patient applied to us, her hemoglobin was 6, and she received blood transfusions multiple times. After heavy therapy lasting a year and a half, our patient began to recover. During this period, the family's role was also great, because the dietary regimen is very important in cirrhosis patients.
Current condition of the patient
Currently, Bahar khanim's condition is stable, she feels very well, walks freely, and is self-sufficient. All blood tests are normal. The hepatitis D virus is under control and at very low titers. Interferon treatment is not recommended at present; only general liver treatment is performed, and a diet is maintained.