At just eight months old, little Rafael Junior Chávez Carrera is in a dire situation at William Soler Hospital in Havana, as his family urgently seeks help to save his life. Activist Yamilka Lafita, also known as Lara Crofs, who has been closely following his case, reported that the baby went over 24 hours without urinating. This indicates an acute renal failure, posing an immediate threat to his life.
Doctors warned that if he didn't start urinating soon, the organ damage could become irreversible. An aggressive bacterial infection in his kidneys has led to a severe systemic inflammatory condition, also affecting his neurological system. To stabilize him, specialists are administering intensive treatment, which includes powerful antibiotics such as fosfomycin, vancomycin, and amikacin, along with broad-spectrum antipyretics and mannitol, an emergency diuretic aimed at preventing cerebral edema.
Despite these efforts, his prognosis remains uncertain, and every hour is crucial for his survival. In the latest update, Lafita mentioned that the baby remains on a ventilator and very irritable, although he has managed to urinate a little, providing a glimmer of hope in this challenging situation. The family has made an urgent appeal for solidarity on social media, asking for visibility and prayers.
Two weeks ago, the infant's parents, Yanet Carrera, 31, and Rafael Chávez, 37, made a plea for assistance to urgently perform a liver transplant. Affectionately known as Rafa, he was initially admitted for 14 days at Roberto Rodríguez Fernández Hospital and then transferred to Antonio Luaces Iraola Hospital in Ciego de Ávila. After 72 hours, a gastroenterologist recommended transferring him to William Soler in Havana due to suspected biliary atresia.
In the capital, doctors diagnosed him with idiopathic neonatal hepatitis and began treatment, but Rafa's health continued to deteriorate. After confirming liver failure, the doctors indicated that the child urgently needed a liver transplant. His mother was found to be a compatible donor, but the Cuban Ministry of Public Health has not provided a viable medical solution.
Instead, doctors at La Paz University Hospital in Spain, who successfully treated young Amanda, are willing to accept more Cuban children. However, given the severity of the situation, the family has decided to monitor the child's progress before taking further steps and initiating a fundraising campaign to transport him to Spain.
Critical Health Situation of Cuban Infant
What is the current condition of Rafael Junior Chávez Carrera?
Rafael Junior Chávez Carrera is in critical condition at William Soler Hospital in Havana due to acute renal failure and a severe systemic inflammatory condition caused by a bacterial infection.
What treatment is being administered to Rafa?
Rafa is receiving intensive treatment including powerful antibiotics such as fosfomycin, vancomycin, and amikacin, along with broad-spectrum antipyretics and mannitol, an emergency diuretic.
Why is a liver transplant necessary for Rafa?
Doctors confirmed liver failure in Rafa, and a liver transplant is urgently needed to save his life. His mother is a compatible donor, but a viable medical solution has not been provided by the Cuban Ministry of Public Health.