Successful management of extremely low birth weight infant: a case report
Dwi Fiona Simatupang, Elrika Anastasia Wijaya
Cileungsi District Hospital, Cileungsi, West Java
Abstract
Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the most common causes of neonatal death. LBW is defined as neonate weighs less than 2500 grams at birth, subcategorized as: very low birth weight (VLBW) for neonate weighs <1500 grams and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) for neonate weighs <1000 grams. Sequelae of LBW including hypoxemia, respiratory failure, nutrient deficiency, etc. At birth, management for LBW infants is the same with normal infants, but more attentions are needed on several aspects such as maintaining a patent airway and breathing, thermal control, heart rate and respiration monitoring, oxygen therapy, fluid and nutrition requirements, infection prevention.
Objective: To report a case of successful management of extremely low birth weight infant
Case: A 3 days old baby boy, 26 weeks gestational age, weighing 920 grams was referred to Cileungsi District Hospital. The infant was diagnosed with ELBW, respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) was given at maximal setting. Amikacin and cefotaxime injections were given to eradicate the infection. Aminophylin was also given to relieve the respiratory distress. The infant was put in incubator. Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) was inserted due to problem on intravenous route insertion. The infant was admitted in neonatal ward for 52 days. At discharge, body weight was 1116 grams and he was able to drink 20 cc milk, 8 times a day. Screening for eyes, brain and heart function were advised.
Conclusion: Proper care and knowledge of the healthcare providers, detailed routine examination and quick decision making for management play important roles in successful management of extremely low birth weight infant.
Keywords: neonates, extremely low birth weight, management