Journey across the boundary of life and death
Immediately after birth, baby Dua (nickname) was transferred to the Neonatal Center, Central Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital for resuscitation and special care. The baby was born prematurely at the 26th week of pregnancy, weighing only 900 grams, so small that it fits snugly in the palm of an adult's hand.
Recalling that time, Ms. K.L, in Xuan Dinh, Hanoi, emotionally shared: "I hadn't had time to hug my child when my child had to go to the Neonatal Center. There were days when I only knew to wait for a phone call from the doctor, hearing news that my child was a little more stable or gained a few dozen grams, it was enough for me to feel relieved. Throughout that time, I only knew to trust and entrust my child to doctors and nurses to take care of.
During the months of treatment for her child, instead of being able to hug her child like other mothers, she regularly pumped milk, sending each milliliter of milk to the hospital with the sole belief that her child would be strong enough to overcome everything.
After three weeks of treatment, when the baby was still dependent on a ventilator, doctors noticed the first signs of chronic lung disease appearing. Ultrasound results showed that the child still had a large arteriovenous tube about 3 mm, seriously affecting hemodynamics.
MSc.BS Tran Diep Ha, Center for Newborns, who directly treated the baby, said that although he had received intensive internal medicine treatment, the child's condition did not improve as expected.
If not intervened in time, children are at risk of worsening lung damage, prolonged dependence on ventilators, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, pneumonia, necrotic enteritis and many other dangerous complications. However, surgery on a baby weighing only about 900 grams is a very big challenge," said Dr. Ha.
After many consultations between doctors from the Center for Neonatal Health, the Central Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital and experts from Hanoi Heart Hospital, the decision to perform coronary artery ligation surgery was made.
The successful surgery has become an important turning point in baby Dua's journey to regain her life.
Only two days after surgery, the baby's endotracheal tube was removed. A week later, the baby stopped using antibiotics. The respiratory condition improved significantly and gradually was exclusively fed orally.
Sharing about this special pediatric patient, MSc. Dr. Tran Diep Ha emotionally said: "Dua is a true warrior. What makes us the happiest is seeing our child overcome difficulties every day, recover and develop well as today. Every premature baby who returns healthy to his family is a great joy and motivation for the medical team.
After more than three months of care and treatment, the baby was discharged from the hospital with a weight of 2.1kg.
The magic of medicine and love
Holding her child in her arms, Ms. K.L. emotionally shared: "There are times when I just want my child to be strong enough to overcome it. Today, seeing my child healthy like any other baby, the family is extremely grateful to the doctors and nurses of the Newborn Center for their dedicated care and not giving up their child.
Baby Dua's journey is not only a story about a premature baby crossing the line of birth and death, but also a testament to the professional qualifications and dedication of the medical staff of the Central Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital.
From a child weighing only 900 grams a day to a healthy baby today is a journey written with willpower, belief and love.
