How to manage twins with human metapneumovirus infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 15-month-old twins both have HMPV, and one of them has Down syndrome with a heart defect. Their oxygen levels keep dropping below 90 percent. At what point should we go to the emergency room? One of them is making strange sounds when breathing. Could this be heart failure? How long can we manage this at home? Should we keep them separated? Why is the one with Down syndrome getting worse faster?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I understand how worried you must be about your 15-month-old twins, especially since one has Down syndrome and a heart defect, and both have human metapneumovirus (HMPV) concerning oxygen levels. This is a very stressful situation, and it is important to get immediate medical help if their condition worsens.

An oxygen level below 90 percent is considered low and needs medical attention, especially for children with heart conditions. You should contact your pediatrician or go to the emergency room if their oxygen level drops below 90 percent or if they show signs of difficulty breathing.

The strange breathing sounds you are hearing could be a sign of respiratory distress, which also requires medical attention. Heart failure can cause breathing problems, but a doctor needs to evaluate the babies to make a diagnosis.

Managing this at home can be tough, especially since one baby has a heart condition. It is important to have your healthcare provider’s guidance. If their oxygen levels stay below 90 percent or they have trouble breathing, they should be taken to the hospital immediately.

You do not need to separate the babies because both have the same infection.

The baby with Down syndrome might be getting worse faster because children with Down syndrome can have weaker immune systems, and a heart condition can make it harder for the heart to cope with an infection. That is why babies with these conditions may be more affected than others.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.