What should I do to improve my 2 months old baby's health condition?

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My baby is 2 months old. He is suffering from omphalitis, which appeared after 24 hours of birth. He had artificial respiration thrice. He was in the ICU for one month. Also, he had a kidney function disorder and blood breaks. He went through blood and blood platelet transfusion. After discharging, artificial respiration continued during sleep. Three weeks later, he suddenly had spasm (seizure) and is on medication. He is bottle feeding. He has normal limbs movement and normal head circumference (35.5 cm). His attentiveness is poor, cannot follow faces, movements or light with his eyes; however, he shows some reactions when exposed to sunlight. The latest diagnosis is that he has a cerebral atrophy. He is on Phenobarbital 60 mg. One fourth of the tablet to be melted in 1.5 cc water and then 1 cc water has to be given to the baby twice a day and Encephabol liquid 2 mg in the morning.

Answer

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode

Cardiology General Medicine Internal Medicine

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It appears that he had a lung infection called as pneumonia, which led to an infection in the blood, low oxygen in the blood and low blood pressure. Because of this there is decreased blood supply to brain and brain damage leading to cerebral atrophy.

His initial reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity) showed infection, kidney damage and multiple abnormalities, but a lot of improvement is seen in the recent reports.

He appears to be out of danger. Now, continue spasm medicine which he is having. Also, continue attentiveness increasing medicine Encephabol (Pyritinol Dihydrochloride).

Decreased attentiveness is due to brain damage, and he should catch up as he grows. Repeatedly, try to communicate with the baby to help in the faster recovery of the brain.

At this point of time, attention should be in the diet, which should be adequate and regular feeds. Also follow limb physiotherapy, preventing infection like cleaning hands before touching baby, cleanliness of the room, avoid too many contacts with the baby if possible.