Actress Bijou Phillips has been hospitalized once again and is in desperate need of a second kidney transplant after her previous donor organ, received in 2017, has failed. A representative for Phillips confirmed that she is currently receiving medical care at UCLA Health, where she has returned to dialysis while awaiting a match from a living donor.
Complications and Rejection of Previous Transplant
According to her representative, Phillips experienced several complications following her 2017 kidney transplant surgery. These included the BK virus, which contributed to both cellular and antibody rejection of the donated kidney. The actress is said to be in stable condition at this time, but her medical team has emphasized that "time is of the essence" as she urgently awaits another transplant opportunity.
Lifelong Battle with Kidney Disease
Bijou Phillips was born with underdeveloped kidneys, spending the first three months of her life in a neonatal intensive care unit on dialysis. She has battled kidney disease for most of her life, making this recent development a critical setback in her ongoing health journey.
Current Medical Care and Donor Search
Phillips is currently under the care of Dr. Anjay Rastogi at the CORE Kidney programme at UCLA Health. She is undergoing treatment and actively exploring the donor process to find a suitable match for a second transplant. The search for a living donor is paramount, as her condition requires immediate attention to prevent further health deterioration.
The actress's situation highlights the challenges faced by individuals with chronic kidney conditions and the importance of organ donation. Her team continues to advocate for donor awareness while managing her care at the renowned medical facility.
