Neonatal Unit Treats Tiniest Patients Ever

Arnoy Larnoy and mother

During the past few months, the LFHC team has faced an extraordinary challenge: caring for two of the smallest infants ever admitted to the Neonatal Unit.

The first, Airnoy Larnoy arrived at LFHC on Feb. 12 after spending three days at a district hospital. She weighed a mere 28 ounces (800 grams) at birth and was much smaller than our average neonatal patient.

Our nurses and doctors were concerned about the infant’s ability to survive, but they were not discouraged. Over the next several weeks, they worked diligently to care for her. They administered IV antibiotics, IV fluids, multiple medications, phototherapy, a nasogastric tube to help her feed and a blood transfusion. The clinical staff became optimistic as she responded to the intensive care and started to grow.

Airnoy Larnoy was discharged weighing more than four pounds (just over 2 kg). It was an exciting day for the staff, which deftly handled a very challenging case and saved the life of another tiny patient.

Airnoy Vahn and mother

Not to be outdone, a second tiny infant, Airnoy Vahn, arrived on March 7, weighing only 21 ounces (600 grams). Born at home, he and his parents travelled for two hours to reach LFHC. The team at LFHC immediately applied life-support measures. Much like Airnoy Larnoy, Airnoy Vahn required a lot of specialized support, but showed steady progress over the course of his stay, which lasted nearly 12 weeks. By the end of May, he was discharged, weighing 3.3 pounds (1.95 kg), and secured his place as the smallest Neonatal Unit patient to be successfully discharged from the Neonatal Unit to date, as well as a huge victory for LFHC.

During their long stays, the families got to know and support each other. Both mothers lovingly cared for their infants and worked with the doctors and nurses to tend to the needs of these tiny patients.

These two success stories are a testament to the achievements of the Neonatal Unit and enhance the reputation that the hospital has earned in the surrounding communities.

The first 28 days of life represents the most vulnerable time for a child’s survival and accounts for approximately 46% of all deaths of children under the age of five, according to the World Health Organization. This is especially true for infants born prematurely, which is the leading cause of death in this age group.

The LFHC Neonatal Unit opened in 2016 with the goal of providing specialized care to our smallest patients. Given the increasing number of babies who needed specialized care, this unit was expanded in 2018. There are now nurses dedicated to the Neonatal Unit and assuming leadership roles. Nurses working in the unit have completed additional training courses and received mentorship from expat volunteers with expertise in this field to ensure that they have the skills necessary to care for premature patients. Several neonatal physicians have also volunteered in past years to help develop the unit.