Pregnant woman’s life saved after multiple complications
sharjah — Doctors at Zulekha Hospital Sharjah have saved the life of a woman who suffered severe, high-risk complications during pregnancy.
Marlyn Sampiano, a Filipino, was admitted to hospital during the 30th week of her pregnancy suffering from shortness of breath and a fever following a lower respiratory tract infection in the days prior.
However, Sampiano survived after a multidisciplinary team at Zulekha Hospital Sharjah overcame the series of complications exacerbated by her history of asthma and diagnosis of the H1N1 virus.
Now at home in Sharjah after recovering her vital organ functions, Sampiano said: “I am very thankful to the doctors and the nursing team at Zulekha Hospital as they have ensured I can stand on my feet today. It is a miracle. I am able to do my routine tasks now and I’m leading a healthy life with my husband and son.”
Dr Islam Essam Eldin Elkousy, specialist critical care medicine, noted that the case is “a rare survival and exceptional life changing experience” for Sampiano.
“The reported mortality rate of such cases ranges from 37 per cent to 92 per cent, considering the complexities and number of affected organs,” he said.
Zulekha Hospital has advised expectant mothers to have early checks, ensure they are up to date with vaccinations and confirm their specialist’s diagnosis in order to prevent unnecessary complications.
Dr Maged Abulmagd, consultant intensivist (head of ICU) at the hospital, said Sampiano was treated in the ward in March for the first two days with oxygen therapy and antibiotics. “Due to the severity of her respiratory distress, however, she was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU),” he added.
Initially treated with non-invasive ventilation for 24 hours, Sampiano was intubated and connected to a mechanical ventilator due to complications caused by a collapsed lung.
During her stay in the ICU, she was diagnosed with H1N1 influenza pneumonia, which was complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
“Due to severely high risks to both the mother and baby, Sampiano’s pregnancy was terminated after a comprehensive session of family counselling and discussions with multidisciplinary team,” said Dr Betty John, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist.
“The baby’s chance of survival was extremely low and we provided mechanical ventilation support as a trial to save the infant. Unfortunately, the newborn passed away later due to the multiple complexities.”
The multidisciplinary team of specialist doctors continued to attend to Sampiano, but her condition worsened and she went into septic shock after only a few days in recovery. She experienced multiple organ failure which required invasive haemodynamic monitoring, fluid resuscitation, antimicrobials, vasopressors, protective lung ventilation, proning, appropriate sedation, and enteral nutrition alongside physiotherapy.
The expert team of doctors said that the patient responded well to treatment and was extubated after two weeks with residual myopathy, a situation where the muscular functions were hindered, which later improved with frequent physiotherapy.
It is a miracle. I am able to do my routine tasks now and I’m leading a healthy life with my husband and son.” Marlyn Sampiano, a patient
The reported mortality rate of such cases ranges from 37 per cent to 92 per cent, considering the complexities.” Dr Islam Essam Eldin Elkousy, specialist critical care medicine
The baby’s chance of survival was extremely low and we provided mechanical ventilation support as a trial to save the infant.” Dr Betty John, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist