Chinese team helps palm sized Beauty survive neona...

Chinese team helps palm sized Beauty survive neonatal challenges

Zim Now Correspondent

On the morning of June 17, a baby girl was discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.

Unlike most other babies, Beauty had spent two months in hospital after being born extremely prematurely at 25 weeks of gestation and weighing only 800g.

Initial Challenges and Intensive Care

When Beauty was admitted to the hospital, she presented with cyanosis, labored breathing, whining, gelatinous skin, and was the size of a palm.

As a result of extreme prematurity, she was at risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

Observing her condition, the Chinese medical aid team immediately intervened by using non-invasive ventilation to open her lungs. Additionally, they provided warming, established venous access, administered oral citric acid caffeine to prevent apnea, and implemented plastic film wrapping and kangaroo care.

Fighting for Survival

Throughout the treatment process, Beauty experienced instability in blood sugar and body temperature, bleeding at puncture sites, and significantly elevated infection indicators. These complications further triggered more severe apnea.

Dr. Wen Yan, pediatric deputy chief physician from Hengyang Maternal and Child Health Hospital and member of the Chinese medical aid team, recalled a particularly difficult episode: “One time, the apnea was very stubborn, showing no response to stimulation, and her heart rate dropped to 30 beats per minute. While performing bag-valve mask ventilation and chest compressions, we had to comfort the mother while closely monitoring the baby’s breathing. The resuscitation bag was constantly in our hands, and we dared not relax for a moment.”

Miraculous Recovery and Discharge

Thanks to the relentless efforts of the Chinese medical aid team, Beauty’s vital signs gradually stabilized. Under their continued care, the frequency of her apnea episodes decreased, and she grew stronger day by day, eventually meeting the discharge criteria.

Joy and Gratitude

Looking at the thick medical and nursing records on the day of discharge, Dr. Wen said she felt immense joy, especially when Beauty’s mother hugged her and said, “I love Chinese doctors, I will miss you.” Dr. Wen felt that all her efforts were worthwhile.