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A four-month-old boy from Hong Kong with a rare congenital disease was cured by doctors from the Children's Hospital of Fudan University after his family came all the way to the city for treatment.

The baby, who was born in Hong Kong on December 30, was found with oxygen deficit and poor mental condition upon delivery and confirmed to have very serious low blood glucose one day later. His blood sugar was only one-fifth of the normal level.

He was diagnosed with congenital hyperinsulinism (HI), the most frequent cause of severe, persistent hypoglycemia in newborn babies and children.

It is a rare metabolic disease. Due to genetic defects, the pancreas generates insulin continuously, causing low blood glucose.

"Without proper treatment, babies with the disease can suffer different levels of brain damage. Even in developed countries, the incidence of poor development, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy, because of permanent brain injury related to the disease, is also as high as 25 to 50 percent. Those with a serious condition can die," said Dr Luo Feihong, director of the hospital's endocrinology department.

Since medications in Hong Kong failed to control his condition, the baby's parents brought him to Shanghai on March 14.

Upon the baby's arrival, local doctors designed a new and more precise blood glucose supply plan to stabilize his condition to prevent brain damage and buy time for a suitable treatment plan.

Since medication couldn't control the baby's condition, doctors decided to use surgery, which would remove a small part of the pancreas with the lesion.

It is a very complicated and delicate surgery, as doctors have to remove the sick part while keeping and protecting the nearby organs, vessels and the leftover pancreas to ensure its proper function.

It was a minimally invasive surgery, which only lasted for four hours with 10 milliliters of blood loss.

The baby was removed from the intensive care unit (ICU) five days later. Medication was gradually stopped and he was put on a normal diet with his glucose at a normal level.

"It was a very successful treatment. The baby only needs regular monitoring for glucose and insulin and should get a proper diet. He is expected to grow up like other children," Luo said. "The parents were so excited that they made four banners to express their gratitude."

The hospital has become China's biggest medical center for congenital hyperinsulinism and over 90 percent of patients are complicated cases or those who come all the way to the hospital after treatment fails at other hospitals. About 50 to 60 percent of patients need surgery.

In China, sending banners as a gesture of gratitude is a long-standing tradition. Common recipients include teachers, doctors, police officers and anyone who has offered meaningful help. Prices of making a banner typically range from a few dozen to several hundred yuan, depending on the banner's size and material.

Nowadays, banners are custom-made through Taobao shops or local print stores. You can either submit your own design or simply provide your name, the recipient's name, and a message of thanks – store staff will take care of the rest. Messages can be in Chinese, a foreign language, or even include special symbols.

Most banners feature a red background with yellow or gold lettering, symbolizing respect and celebration.

Overseas patients can contact the hospital's international medical department:

Consultation hotline: 021-64932081

Outpatient hotline: 021-64931831