How can I improve my 2-month-old baby's health?

Question

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 a blood and platelet transfusion. After discharging, artificial respiration continued during sleep. Three weeks later, he suddenly had a spasm (seizure) and is on medication.

He is bottle feeding. He has normal limb movement and a normal head circumference (13.9 inches). His attentiveness is poor; he 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 is to be melted in 1.5 cc of water, and then 1 cc of water has to be given to the baby twice a day, and Encephabol liquid 2 mg in the morning.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It appears that he had a lung infection called 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 the 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 the spasm medicine that 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 in time, attention should be given to the diet, which should be adequate and regular feeds.

Also follow limb physiotherapy, preventing infection like cleaning hands before touching the baby, cleanliness of the room, and avoiding too many contacts with the baby if possible. If the baby develops a fever again and any respiratory distress, then he should be hospitalized urgently for antibiotics.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.