A baby born four months too early weighing just 300 grammes is now healthy and thriving after weeks of intensive care at a hospital.
The infant was delivered at the University Hospital in Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, 16 weeks before the expected due date, with doctors confirming the case as an “extraordinary medical success” in a statement shared on 29th October.
According to the medical team, the tiny girl was born with a hand the size of an adult’s fingertip.
She had to be kept alive outside the mother’s womb until her lungs developed enough to breathe on her own.
Doctors said the baby was artificially ventilated for seven weeks before she could breathe independently.
Senior physician Dr Ralf Boettger explained: “Treating a newborn weighing only 300 grammes [10.5 oz] places the highest demands on equipment and team: ventilation, nutrition via infusions, and the protection of the delicate skin and organs require an extremely precise and careful approach.”
The University Hospital of Magdeburg, which operates the only Level 1 perinatal centre in northern Saxony-Anhalt. Said the survival rate for babies born this early and small is around 25 per cent worldwide.
Despite the severe prematurity, the child developed normally.
Nine weeks after the original due date, the family was able to take their daughter home.
Doctors said the baby’s eyes showed a change in the retina linked to premature birth but this was successfully treated with medication, and no visual aids were required.
The hospital said the team continued to support the family at home after discharge to strengthen the bond between the parents and the child.
Medical staff described the case as proof of what can be achieved through advanced technology. Years of expertise, and dedicated parental involvement.
The family, who wished to remain anonymous to protect their child’s privacy. Said their daughter is now a perfect picture of health.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below. Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: newsX
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