Hayson Au Pak-hei, a one-year-old baby who suffered from acute liver failure, is recovering quickly and has left the intensive care unit.

According to his mother, he no longer requires a liver donation.

His liver function index was too high at more than 10,000 at one point but dropped to 400 yesterday. The normal range is between 40 and 50.

"He was switched to the pediatric ward around 3pm [yesterday]," she said, adding that her son had not required a urine catheter and gastric tube since Saturday.

The toddler slipped into a coma since being admitted on July 4 but regained consciousness five days later, and his condition has been improving ever since.

"He now knows to smile at me," the mother said. "He has also started to become a bit whiny, probably because he is bored and wants to go home."

The mother expressed gratitude to all those who have reached out to help her son, as some have told her that they are ready and willing to do a matching test for him if necessary.

She said she is confident her son will learn the meaning of gratitude and continue to persevere and stay positive. "He will one day become a contributing member of society."

But she said the doctor told her that there is a risk of sudden deterioration, as there is a high chance that the cause of Au's condition will remain unknown. It is also unclear if the acute failure episode has caused any permanent damage to his liver.

Au was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on July 4 after having a fever and vomiting on July 2.

His family made an urgent appeal for people between 18 and 60 years old with blood type A or O to donate their liver last week. More than 10 people came forward but none were a match.

Relief as liver failure saga passes for baby