Premature baby survives 52 days in NICU after multiple life-threatening complications

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In the NICU, the baby suffered two cardiac arrests. The medical team immediately initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation on both occasions and was able to restore spontaneous circulation.

A 29-week-old premature baby who underwent treatment for multiple life-threatening complications, including two cardiac arrests, has been discharged after spending 52 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Hospital in Bengaluru.

The baby, Elijah, was born more than 10 weeks before due date and required respiratory support soon after birth. He was administered surfactant therapy and placed on ventilator support.

His condition became critical after he developed bilateral pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum, conditions in which air accumulates around the lungs and in the mediastinum. Chest drains had to be inserted to manage the lung complications.

In the NICU, the baby suffered two cardiac arrests. The medical team immediately initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on both occasions and was able to restore spontaneous circulation.

His subsequent treatment was complicated by severe sepsis and septic shock, acute kidney injury, severe thrombocytopenia and clotting abnormalities. He also developed pulmonary hypertension and seizures, besides experiencing feeding difficulties and another episode of lung collapse.

According to Edwin Raj Talari, neonatologist who led the treatment along with the NICU team, the prolonged hospitalisation required continuous monitoring and intervention as the baby developed complications.

“Fifty-two days in the NICU is 52 days of fighting, praying and refusing to give up. Elijah’s survival is a testament to his resilience, his family’s faith and the dedication of the entire NICU team,” Dr. Talari said.

After 52 days of intensive care, Elijah was discharged from the NICU on Thursday.

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