An extremely preterm male baby no bigger than the palm of a hand and weighing only 580 grammes was recently born at Medeor 24x7 Hospital in Abu Dhabi's.

The delivery took place at 25 weeks of gestation instead of the usual 40. "We had to perform an emergency caesarian section because of severe hypertension in the mother. At birth, the baby was in respiratory distress. His lungs had not yet developed their function," said Dr Govinda Shenoy, consultant and head - neonatology.

According to Vermont Oxford Network, the survival rate of 25-week-old babies is 50 to 60 per cent. Those who survive are at a high risk of complications related to various factors.

"Complications of premature birth this early include intraventricular haemorrhage, hydrocephalous, retinopathy of prematurity, cardiac problems such as patent ductus arteriosis, sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis, and the most fatal, chronic lung disease," Dr Shenoy explained.

The baby's father, Henry Digo from the Philippines, recounted the initial days. "We were so worried ... After his birth, I cried when I saw my baby. I was afraid whether he would make it or not. But I had faith in God and the doctor that they would do the best for my baby."

The NICU team at Medeor managed the baby's condition for 102 days (39 weeks) providing extra care. They had to keep the infant warm, provide nutrition, avoid infections, and provide supporting breathing till his lungs could develop their function.

"He was initially kept on mechanical ventilation. Then we moved him to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and nasal flow oxygen. Oral feeds were started once he reached a 34-week gestation period and could tolerate it," said Dr Shenoy.

Eventually, the team's efforts began to show results and the baby did not develop any complications. At the time of his discharge, he weighed 1,880 grammes. Both mother and child are now doing well.

For the Digos, this is their third child. "He is very special and the first boy in our family. We have named him Henrid," said Digo.

In March 2016, a baby girl, possibly the tiniest preterm baby to survive in the UAE was born, weighing 450 grammes.

Source: Khaleej Times