In a groundbreaking medical achievement, doctors at a Bengaluru hospital have successfully saved the lives of premature twins born at an astonishingly early gestation of just 23 weeks, each with a birth weight of approximately 500 grams.
The infants, born to a dedicated farming family from Tumkur, belong to a rare demographic, representing only 0.3 percent of babies globally who are delivered at such a low birth weight and continue to survive against all odds.
After enduring years of difficulty conceiving, the couple finally turned to fertility treatments in hopes of starting a family. Upon discovering they were expecting twins, their hearts soared with happiness. Unfortunately, this joy was soon clouded by pregnancy complications, as doctors identified a concerning shortening of the mother’s cervix that precipitated premature labor, resulting in the twins being delivered 17 weeks early, weighing just 550 grams and 540 grams, respectively.
The infants were swiftly admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Aster Women and Children Hospital in Whitefield, where they received specialized medical attention for nearly four months. Data suggests that although the survival rate for single babies born at 23 weeks globally hovers around 23.4 percent, cases of twins managing to survive at this premature stage are exceptionally rare in India.
The dedicated medical team, comprising Dr. Srinivasa Murthy C L (Pediatrics), Dr. Lathiesh Kumar K (Neonatology), and Dr. Sandya Rani (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), encountered numerous challenges as they navigated the delicate health of the newborns. The twins were born with severely underdeveloped organs and immune systems, placing them at heightened risk for a range of complications, including respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, and various infections.
Advanced neonatal care
“This case has set a precedent as it has never been documented in India before,” remarked Dr. Srinivasa Murthy C L in an interview. “Statistics indicate that only 2.5 out of every 1,000 deliveries occur around the 23rd week, with more than half of these infants not surviving past 72 hours. However, thanks to our use of advanced ventilators, incubators, and cardiac monitors, we were able to deliver critical care that allowed both babies to overcome serious obstacles and ultimately survive.”
Throughout their challenging journey, the parents remained closely informed about each step of their twins’ treatment. Initially, upon the twins’ admission, the family was gripped by fears of losing both babies. The financial burden compounded their concerns, yet with support from the Rotary Club, crowdfunding efforts, and generous contributions from compassionate doctors, nearly five lakh rupees were raised to aid with NICU expenses.
Expressing their heartfelt gratitude, the twins’ father shared, “We had no idea how costly this journey would be, but we are profoundly thankful to the doctors and hospital staff who treated us like family. Thanks to their unwavering support, our babies are alive and thriving.”
This extraordinary case highlights the remarkable intersection of compassion, innovative medical technology, and community solidarity in saving lives, serving as an inspiring testament to the advancements made in neonatal care.
(With ANI inputs)
**Interview with Dr. Srinivasa Murthy C L, Pediatrics Specialist at Aster Women and Children Hospital, Bengaluru**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Murthy. We’re discussing the remarkable case of the premature twins born at just 23 weeks. Can you tell us more about the challenges your team faced while caring for these infants?
**Dr. Murthy:** Thank you for having me. Caring for twins born at such an early gestation is incredibly challenging. They were both very low in weight and had underdeveloped organs, which required immediate and intensive medical intervention. The first few weeks are particularly critical, and our team had to constantly monitor their respiratory functions, nutrition, and overall stability.
**Interviewer:** That must have been a nerve-wracking time for everyone involved, especially the parents. How did they cope during their twins’ stay in the NICU?
**Dr. Murthy:** The parents showed extraordinary strength throughout this journey. After facing years of difficulties with conception, their joy turned to fear following the premature birth. We made sure to keep them informed about their babies’ conditions and involved them in the care as much as possible, which really helped them feel more connected during that challenging period.
**Interviewer:** What advancements in neonatal care do you believe contributed to the successful outcome for the twins?
**Dr. Murthy:** A combination of specialized care, advanced technology, and the collaboration within our multidisciplinary team played a vital role. We utilized high-frequency ventilation, appropriate nutrition, and continuous monitoring, all of which are crucial for supporting the delicate health of such premature infants. Our team’s experience with similar cases also provided a foundation for making crucial decisions.
**Interviewer:** It’s incredible to see such dedication in the medical field. What does the future look like for these twins now that they’ve spent nearly four months in care?
**Dr. Murthy:** The future looks promising. After such a long stay in the NICU, they will continue to need regular follow-ups and monitoring as they grow. Our aim is to ensure they develop normally without any long-term complications. Each case is unique, but our hope is that with ongoing support, they can lead healthy lives.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Murthy, for sharing these insights. It’s heartwarming to hear about such dedication and progress in neonatal care.
**Dr. Murthy:** Thank you for highlighting this important topic. It’s a reminder of the resilience of both the infants and the families we serve.