Actress Bijou Phillips has been hospitalized and is in urgent need of a second kidney transplant after her initial transplant failed. The 45-year-old star is currently receiving care at UCLA Health, where she has returned to dialysis while awaiting a living donor, a representative confirmed to TMZ on Wednesday.
Medical History and Complications
Phillips received her first kidney from a friend in 2017, but over the years, complications arose that led to the transplant's failure. These included infections such as the BK virus, which resulted in both cellular and antibody rejection of the organ, according to reports.
Current Condition and Urgency
While Phillips is currently in stable condition, her representative emphasized that 'time is of the essence' in finding a compatible donor. She remains under the specialized care of Dr. Anjay Rastogi at CORE Kidney at UCLA Health, where medical teams are monitoring her closely.
Lifelong Battle with Kidney Disease
Born with underdeveloped kidneys, Phillips spent the first three months of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on dialysis. She has battled kidney disease throughout her entire life, making this latest development a critical chapter in her ongoing health struggles.
Search for a Donor
The search for a living donor is now paramount, as Phillips waits for a compatible match to facilitate the transplant. The Daily Mail has reached out to Phillips' representatives for further comment on her condition and the donor search efforts.
This situation highlights the challenges faced by transplant recipients and the importance of organ donation in saving lives. Phillips' case underscores the need for continued medical advancements and public awareness in kidney health and transplantation.
