Medical personnel at Suddie Public Hospital (PHS) in Region Two have successfully sustained the life of infant, Adelia Rodrigues, of Region One born weighing just 1.1 kg on October 31, 2023.
Delivered in Moruca at 27+6 weeks, with a body weight of 1.1 kilogrammes, the baby, according to Dr Kalesh Latchminarine, Head of Neonatal and Pediatric Department, was received with PPV [positive pressure ventilation] via an ambu bag upon arrival at Suddie.
The team that worked with Adelia included Neonatologist, Dr Yelina Acosta; Dr Francisco Pino, and Dr Azalia Luke, along with nurses Lynch-Belle, Grandison, Gillette, Jackman, Maza, Wilson, Ramirez, Rivera, Persaud, Wright, and Paulz. Together, they ensured the infant was taken care of and could be handed over to her mother in a stable condition.
Dr Latchminarine related that he received a call from Dr Ault in Moruca about the infant. When the infant arrived at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Suddie Public Hospital she was very tiny and needed much work to survive.
However, he noted that the expected severity of respiratory distress was absent, and the Ballard score indicated a developmental stage of 32+6 weeks. He added that the medical team was very touched by the infant who knew to communicate with the team whenever she was hungry or needed a change.
Explaining Adelia’s challenges, Dr Latchminarine said that her condition was accompanied by a slew of complications. She had extremely low birth weight (ELBW) and was experiencing weight loss, presumed sepsis, temperature instability, upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), coagulopathy, diaper rash, and progressively challenging peripheral access.
Her mother, Zenella Rodrigues, throughout the challenges, remained composed.
The infant did not need incubating but was on CPAP [continuous positive airway pressure] for 23 days and in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for 73 days.
Adelia holds the distinction of being the first viable neonate admitted to PHS NICU with an exceptionally small GA [gestational age] and low birth weight. She is also the first daughter for her parents. Notably, she was among the two babies discharged on the same day the new PHS NICU was inaugurated on January 12, 2024.
Supported by the unwavering care of doctors and nurses, Adelia went home with her mother to reunite with her brothers, father, and extended family. The parents conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to the management and staff of the Suddie Public Hospital.
