Agnes J., 1

Agnes is the only child of a young couple. She lives with her parents, paternal grandparents, and a cousin in a small two-room mud house. Both parents are unemployed, and the family relies entirely on her elderly grandparents for support. Agnes has a history of recurrent illnesses. On this particular day, she began crying whenever she was lifted, and her feet appeared slightly swollen. Her grandmother took her to a nearby health facility, from where she was referred to Siaya County Referral Hospital for further care. At the hospital, the family had not previously heard of Helpster Charity. They were approached by the hospital’s Social Health Authority (SHA) clerk, who was taking patient insurance details, and upon learning that the family could not afford the hospital bill, the clerk referred them to the hospital social worker, who then connected them with Helpster Charity for support. Upon thorough medical assessment, Agnes was diagnosed with severe pneumonia, moderate acute malnutrition, and moderate anaemia. It was also noted that Agnes cried excessively whenever her left arm was handled or when she was carried. X-rays of her upper and lower limbs were conducted, revealing a fracture of the left humerus and old healed fractures of the right proximal humerus, left distal humerus, and shaft of the left humerus. Although there was no history of trauma, the findings raised the possibility of osteogenesis imperfecta, with a differential diagnosis of battered baby syndrome. To confirm the diagnosis, investigations were conducted with the assistance of the community health promoter, local government administration - including the village head and area chief - and neighbors from the area where Agnes and her parents live. Through careful review of her medical history, home circumstances, and expert evaluation, it was confirmed that the fractures were not due to abuse, ruling out battered baby syndrome and supporting a diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta. Prompt treatment was initiated.

Agnes was brought to the hospital with pain in the arms and legs . She is known sickle patient.She was diagnosed with severe pneumonia with moderate anemia.She also had a fractured arm. This warranted for admission where she admitted for over four days.While in the ward she was treated with IV vancomycin, Burden ,hydroxyurea ,pcm among other drugs. She was tolerant to the medication administered and eventually became well. She was discharged through the orthotrauma clinic where she was booked for a follow up clinic .

Agnes was diagnosed with severe pneumonia, moderate acute malnutrition, moderate anaemia, and multiple fractures due to osteogenesis imperfecta. With prompt medical intervention - including antibiotics for pneumonia, nutritional support, management of anaemia, and orthopedic care for her fractures - her condition is expected to improve gradually. Although osteogenesis imperfecta is a lifelong condition that predisposes her to fragile bones, with ongoing medical follow-up, physiotherapy, careful handling, and nutritional support, Agnes can achieve good overall health, prevent further complications, and continue to grow safely. The prognosis is favourable for recovery from the acute illnesses, but long-term care will be essential to manage her bone fragility and maintain quality of life.