Premature Baby at 24 Weeks Saved Against the Odds

| Medicover Hospitals | Hyderabad Hitec City

A baby born at 24 weeks of gestation with a less chance of survival was saved

Four months earlier, a pregnant woman at 24 weeks and six days gestation arrived at the hospital with severe abdominal pain and heavy bleeding. Due to the severity of her condition and the breech position of the baby, both the mother and baby were at significant risk. This situation called for an emergency delivery.

In most preterm deliveries, mothers are given steroid injections to help the baby's lungs develop, but due to the urgency of this case, there was no time for that. The obstetric consultant proceeded with a vaginal delivery, and a baby boy was born, weighing only 710 grams.

NICU Care and Treatment

The baby received immediate medical attention and was placed on a ventilator for breathing support. He was then transferred to the NICU and placed in an incubator. After 10 days, the baby was taken off the ventilator and put on CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). Gradually, as the baby's condition improved, CPAP support was reduced, and the baby was shifted to HFNC (High Flow Nasal Cannula) for a few weeks. Eventually, he was able to breathe on his own without any breathing support.

Small amounts of feed were introduced 24 hours after birth, and the volume was gradually increased to meet the baby's full nutritional needs.

During his NICU stay, the baby faced various challenges. He developed infections, which were diagnosed and treated with appropriate medications. The baby also required several blood transfusions to manage anemia. Additionally, he developed newborn jaundice, which was successfully treated with phototherapy.

Managing Complications

The baby had a heart defect known as PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus), which was treated with two courses of paracetamol. Routine neuro sonograms (brain ultrasounds) showed a small bleed in the brain, but it resolved by 14 days of life. At the time of discharge, the baby's brain scan was normal. Regular eye assessments were conducted, and the baby's retina maturity was normal.

Despite the complications, the premature baby went home successfully without any long-term issues.

Expert Medical Care

Dr. Ravinder Reddy Parige, HOD Neonatology and Pediatrics, stated that managing this preterm baby's condition was a challenge for the entire medical team. He credited the success to the state-of-the-art level 3 NICU and the relentless efforts of the team at Medicover Woman & Child Hospitals. He also congratulated the doctors, nurses, management, and supporting staff, along with the baby's parents, for their trust and cooperation throughout the process.

Contributors

Dr Janardhana Reddy V

Consultant Pediatrician & Intensivist

Dr M Navitha

Consultant Neonatologist & Pediatrician