The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in a release yesterday announced that its medical staff performed Guyana’s first neonatal peritoneal dialysis, describing it as a groundbreaking medical achievement that underscores the hospital’s commitment to advancing neonatal care.
Baby Looknauth was born at the hospital, on January 8, 2023, and what appeared to be a routine birth quickly morphed into a groundbreaking challenge for the neonatal department. Shortly after birth, the infant developed breathing difficulties and was diagnosed with a severe infection. He was promptly admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where he received round-the-clock care from a dedicated team of doctors and nurses. These included Nurse Lavern Tishmaker, Consultant Dr Sara Singh, and Senior Registrar Dr Yaicelys Reyes, whose expertise and compassion were instrumental in navigating this complex case.
However, the release noted, while in the NICU, Baby Looknauth faced a series of daunting challenges, including persistent feeding difficulties and, eventually, kidney failure. Recognising the severity of his condition, Dr Haimchand Barran, a nephrology consultant, was brought on board and the decision was taken to initiate peritoneal dialysis, a life-saving procedure never before performed on a neonate [newborn] in Guyana.
On January 25, 2024, the Vascular/ Transplant team, led by Dr Kishore Persaud and supported by Dr Joshua Budial, successfully inserted a peritoneal catheter. A dedicated dialysis nurse who was assigned, played a critical role in ensuring the success of this lifesaving procedure, and over the following days, the NICU team carefully managed the dialysis and supported Baby Looknauth through intubation and ventilator care.
The procedure was deemed a success, as gradually, his kidneys began to recover, and his condition steadily improved, and after nearly two months of meticulous care, Baby Looknauth was discharged on March 11, 2024. He is currently at home with his family, doing well, and routinely visits the hospital for follow-ups. According to the GPHC, “Baby Looknauth represents hope and resilience, inspiring healthcare providers and families across Guyana.”
The release also acknowledged that Baby Looknauth’s survival was a testament to the dedication and collaboration of GPH’s NICU team, and specifically mentioned Dr Singh, Dr Reyes, and Nurse Tishmaker, whose compassionate care was instrumental to the patient’s survival and recovery. It informed too, that his case is one of the 955 neonatal admissions in 2024, a measure of GPH’s success in reducing neonatal mortality.
The GPH also boasted a nearly 50 per cent reduction in neonatal deaths compared to 2023, with 67 per cent of the 26 NICU fatalities being pre-term deliveries, reflecting the sustainability of the institution’s efforts to enhance neonatal outcomes through improved protocols, advanced medical interventions, and continuous staff training.
Further, the success of the first neonatal peritoneal dialysis at GPH sets a precedent for the future of pediatric nephrology in Guyana while demonstrating the hospital’s commitment to providing cutting-edge care and saving lives, even in the most challenging circumstances.