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Tiny Fighter: Preemie Twin Survives Rare Birth Defect
14 Feb
Summary
- A 35-week-old preterm twin survived a rare congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
- The infant underwent high-risk surgery and intensive care for nearly two months.
- Doctors utilized high-frequency oscillatory ventilation due to breathing difficulties.
A remarkable medical feat occurred recently as a 35-week-old preterm twin successfully overcame a severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). This rare condition, where abdominal organs enter the chest, poses a significant threat to lung development, affecting about one in 3,000 births.
The infant was admitted to Sahyadri Hospitals on October 14, 2025, experiencing critical respiratory distress and sepsis. The complexity was amplified by the baby's prematurity, twin pregnancy status, and an active infection. Doctors initially stabilized the infant using high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) for two weeks.
A high-risk corrective surgery was performed on October 27, 2025, while the baby remained ventilator-dependent. This procedure, a significant challenge for the medical team, was undertaken when the infant's condition showed signs of stability, despite persistent risks.
Following the surgery, the infant spent six weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) receiving prolonged care and monitoring. The baby's condition gradually improved, leading to successful weaning from respiratory support. By November 29, 2025, the infant was discharged in stable condition and is now feeding orally.
