On 13/8, doctors at the Department of Neonatology, Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, stated that "the two babies had to fight for their lives from the very first hours." Both infants suffered from respiratory distress syndrome and respiratory failure, requiring respiratory support resuscitation. One baby also had a blood clotting disorder, necessitating a transfusion of fresh frozen plasma.
Extremely premature infants require intensive care, including precise temperature, noise, and light control, along with continuous close monitoring of their health status. After one month, the babies began feeding entirely on milk. At approximately 50 days old, they were able to breathe independently without respiratory support.
After 74 days of treatment, one baby reached 1.7 kg and was discharged. The second baby continued to require respiratory support and treatment for chronic lung disease before being able to breathe completely on her own. During treatment, this baby received three red blood cell transfusions due to anemia, and was discharged on day 81, weighing 1.9 kg.
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The two premature twins, born with multiple medical conditions, were kept alive after nearly 100 days. Photo: Hospital provided |
The two premature twins, born with multiple medical conditions, were kept alive after nearly 100 days. Photo: Hospital provided
Premature birth is defined as a baby born before 37 weeks of gestation. Infants born between 28 and before 32 weeks are considered very preterm. These babies face numerous health risks, including: hypothermia, respiratory failure, metabolic disorders, neonatal infections, jaundice, anemia, cerebral hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and potential hearing and vision problems.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 15 million babies are born prematurely worldwide each year, representing about 1 in 10 live births. Preterm birth is the leading cause of death among children under 5 years old, with around one million premature infants dying annually due to complications. Many survivors face lifelong disabilities, including neurological, cardiovascular, visual, and auditory impairments.
In Vietnam, the average preterm birth rate is about 7% of all births, with approximately 100,000-110,000 premature babies born each year.
Thuy An
