Baby with rare condition fights odds to live

dubai — A newborn suffering from a rare condition called rhesus isoimmunisation (Rh) disease was saved at the Prime Hospital recently. The baby was born earlier than the expected date of delivery.

“The infant was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit. She is now in a stable condition and has been discharged,” said Dr Jamil Ahmed, managing director of Prime Hospital.

The 35-year-old mother had previously suffered an intrauterine fetal death and cholestasis and registered for antenatal care in the 13th week of her pregnancy at the Prime Hospital. Her case was discussed with two fetal medical experts in Dubai and her country of origin wherein a plan was formulated to ensure the baby’s successful delivery.

The antibody titres — a test that detects the presence and measures the amount of antibodies within a person’s blood — were monitored and found to be high. As per the plan, the middle cerebral artery doppler assessment was done to monitor peak systolic velocity (PSV) on a weekly basis.

The doctors had discovered that by the 23rd week, the PSV increased and that the patient required

The double volume exchange blood transfusion is usually given as the last line of treatment in the case of Rh isoimmunisation, when all other treatments appear insufficient.”

Dr Jamil Ahmed, managing director, Prime Hospital an intrauterine fetal transfusion. She was flown to her country to receive three intrauterine fetal transfusions, before she was flew back to Dubai for further montioring. She delivered normally after induction of labour at 35 weeks.

The newborn was diagnosed with Hyperbilirubinemia at birth, and required intensive phototherapy treatment, IVIG and double volume exchange blood transfusion the day after her birth. The rare condition occurring once in every 10,000 births, if not addressed immediately, may lead to permanent brain damage due to the neurotoxicity.

“Thanks to our dedicated team of doctors and medical staff, we were able to give this newborn a second chance of life. The double volume exchange blood transfusion is usually given as the last line of treatment in the case of Rh isoimmunisation, when all other treatments appear insufficient,” said Dr Ahmed.

This achievement reflects the capabilities of Prime Hospital’s medical team who had to act quickly and precisely to save the life a newborn suffering from Rh isoimmunisation disease. This rare case was handled with the highest-level of care,” he added.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com