Sheldon O., 14

Sheldon is a 14-year-old student living in a children's home that supports around 200 children, relying entirely on well-wishers for their food and general welfare. He enjoys playing football and listening to music, and he dreams of becoming a teacher in the future. Sheldon has been living with portal hypertension and esophageal varices, for which he has been on medication. Recently, he began experiencing persistent epigastric and lower abdominal pain for about a month, prompting a visit to Barika Medical Centre. He presented with abdominal swelling and distension. Sheldon has been treated for esophageal varices before, as a complication of portal hypertension & this may recur if the condition is not medically managed risking internal bleeding. There are also chances of developing ascites . He has had a long-standing history of epigastric pain that radiates to both hypochondriac regions. Upon evaluation, liver function tests revealed elevated enzyme levels, and an abdominal ultrasound confirmed findings consistent with portal hypertension.

Sheldon presented with long-standing history of abdominal distension and epigastric abdominal pains radiating bilaterally to the hypochondriac regions. Laboratory tests showed elevated liver enzymes excluding hepatitis and other clinical possibilities. An abdominal ultrasound showed hepatosplenomegaly. AXR was unremarkable. Triphasic CT Abd was ordered to r/o subtle hepatic lesions. It revealed peri portal fibrosis with associated portal hypertension with no abdominal masses detected. Physician review included further specific relevant laboratory tests including electrophoresis. Sickle cell was excluded with other chronic/viral liver pathology. Meantime pain management and urgent gastroenterology review was booked from a physician perspective considering Sheldon had oesophageal varices in 2021 and had not been able to adhere to the treatment at the time. After review by the gastroenterologist, a prescription was made, shared to Helpster. Some of the medication is prescribed for life with review in case any new symptoms arise.

Sheldon presented with abdominal pains & distension for one month. Laboratory tests & abdominal ultrasound were performed. Sheldon has chronic portal hypertension for which treatment he had not not been able to adhere to. His prognosis is fair after treatment. He's on medication for life prescribed by the gastroenterologist in his last review. He will live with mild pain & abdominal distension. Incase of any new symptoms, he'll be reviewed.