45YO S’pore Man Dies from Liver Failure Despite 50 People Coming Forward to Donate Liver

When news first emerged that a Singaporean man urgently needed a liver transplant to survive, about 50 individuals came forward to volunteer to donate their liver without hesitation.

Acute liver failure is a severe medical condition that can strike suddenly and unexpectedly, even among relatively young and healthy individuals.

In December 2023, this disease impacted at least two men in Singapore, one of whom was actively involved in animal rescue.

Unfortunately, the other of the two individuals has passed away.

45YO S’pore Man Diagnosed with Acute Liver Failure, Suffering from Vomiting and Diarrhoea Symptoms

Desmond Lee, a 45-year-old technician and a father of two young kids, started having diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms on 12 December 2023, according to Shin Min Daily News.

Even though he wasn’t feeling well, Lee still went to work during this time. 

His wife, Jacqueline Huang, a 38-year-old manager, mentioned that his appetite wasn’t great.

It wasn’t until ten days later, on 22 December, that he finally went to see a doctor. After the doctor noticed abnormal blood test results, further examinations were conducted.

Following a series of tests at Sengkang General Hospital, Lee was diagnosed with liver failure, which was caused by a viral infection due to his pre-existing Hepatitis B condition.

On 24 December 2023, he was transferred to Singapore General Hospital.

Fell Into Semi-Coma on Christmas Day

On Christmas Day (25 December 2023), Lee fell into a semi-comatose state, as Shin Min Daily News reported. 

He couldn’t recognise his family members during this time and became easily agitated.

Doctors informed Huang that Lee’s condition had become critical, and he needed a liver donor urgently.

Huang said that her husband was heavily sedated and moved to the ICU to prevent any further deterioration in his condition.

Family Appeals for Liver Donors: About 50 People Came Forward to Donate

Huang and friends posted online, seeking potential living liver donors. 

In her Facebook post, she specified that donors should have type O blood, be between the ages of 18 and 50, be without significant health issues or a history of cancer, and preferably have no major surgical history.

Around 50 people expressed their willingness to donate their liver, according to Huang. 

These potential donors came from various backgrounds, including some in their 50s who were unaware that their health conditions made them unsuitable donors. 

Huang expressed her gratitude to them, including individuals from Malaysia, despite their ultimate inability to donate.

Man’s Condition Worsened As Donors Come Forward

Among the numerous individuals who responded to their appeal, two individuals contacted Huang on New Year’s Day and were able to undergo immediate blood tests. 

Unfortunately, they were found unsuitable as donors.

The following day, two more individuals stepped forward and underwent blood tests. Despite the ongoing support from the public, Huang remained cautiously optimistic about her husband’s prospects.

However, Lee’s condition took a turn for the worse. 

Before the blood test results for the other two potential donors were available, he began experiencing seizures.

Doctors delivered the devastating news to Huang that her husband’s deteriorating condition had led to brain damage, making him ineligible for a transplant, thus leading the doctors to consider the family to terminate life support.

Man Terminated from Life Support

On Wednesday (3 January 2024), Lee’s condition worsened further, prompting the doctor to recommend the withdrawal of life support. 

Huang and other family members engaged in a heartfelt and tearful discussion, ultimately arriving at a difficult decision: the longer they kept him alive, the longer he would endure pain.

As a result, the family made the painful choice to disconnect him from life support. 

Lee’s life support tube was disconnected at 7.15 pm on Wednesday. 

About 15 minutes later, he peacefully passed away. 

Huang and her family members did not remain in the room as they were unable to witness his struggle.

Daughters Unable to See Their Father Before His Passing

After his passing, Lee leaves behind his wife and two daughters, aged four and seven. 

China Press reported that they were not informed of the exact details of their father’s condition to spare them distress. 

Huang said that she allowed them to see their father only through video calls, and unfortunately, they were unable to be present during his final moments.

During Lee’s last moments, Huang did allow her older daughter to view his body while paying her last respects to him. The elder daughter was perplexed, asking why her father was lying down and why his face appeared so pale. 

Huang added that it might be better for her daughters not to comprehend the situation to spare them from additional sorrow.