Unbelievable: Pigeon caused 28-year-old with three transplants of lung, heart and hip

| Updated: 01 August, 2024 1:03 pm IST

Dr Rajeev K. Sharma, chairman of orthopedics at Moolchand Hospital in Delhi who conducted hip transplant in the patient.

NEW DELHI: At just 28 years old, Rajat Sharma is living with a new heart, lung, and hip. He has faced more medical challenges than no one ever faces in a lifetime. Five years back, he was diagnosed with Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema (CPFE), a rare condition.

Speaking to The New Indian, Dr Rajeev K. Sharma, chairman of orthopedics at Moolchand Hospital in Delhi, who conducted Rajat’s hip transplant, shared his story of resilience, “He was diagnosed with the condition through exposure to pigeons. The fecal matter of these birds, when mixed with air, can cause severe fibrosis in patients.”

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Initially, Rajat experienced breathlessness, which at first looked like a minor inconvenience later it was revealed as CPFE, a condition where the air sacs in the lungs are destroyed (as seen in emphysema) and the lung tissue becomes scarred (as seen in pulmonary fibrosis).

Rajat was suggested a lung transplant by Doctors, until then he remained on oxygen support for a long time. The lungs were transplanted successfully but the damage done to his lungs eventually affected his heart, requiring a heart transplant. After both the transplants his battle was yet far from done. The medications provided to him accept the new organs and maintain the immunity, also included steroids which resulted in avascular necrosis.

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According to the doctor: “The intake of steroids caused avascular necrosis, a type of bone deformity that severely impacts hip joints, causing arthritis, pain, and difficulty in moving.”

Dr. Sharma chose a ceramic implant, which is commonly used for younger patients due to its durability. Dr. shared, “The ceramic-on-ceramic transplant is designed to last longer than other types and can last up to 30 years.”