Physical Wellness

Devastated Mother Refused To Feed Premature Baby With Genetic Deformity

By Anne Collins | Update Date: Jan 24, 2017 08:00 AM EST

A premature baby girl was born with a very rare case of Harlequin Ichthyosis at Paliganj Primary Health Center in Patna, India. The 28-year-old woman, who preferred to stay anonymous, gave birth last weekend.

Harlequin Ichthyosis is a genetic disorder that causes a hard white, thick, dry skin to spread all over the body. It occurs only in 1 out of 300,000 births and requires intensive care.

The Times of India reported the baby was born on Saturday at 6 AM. The mother had a normal delivery at 32 weeks premature instead of 36 weeks, according to Dr. Shiv Lal Chaudhary of Plaiganj PHC.

The baby weighed around 2.50 kg and even cried at birth. "We sent a child specialist to her home on Sunday and he reported that she was drinking milk. However, we have referred her to Patna Medical College and Hospital," Dr Chaudhary said.

Locals fled to the scene after they heard of the girl's birth. Doctor's had to refrain the crowd from the health care centre.

Survival rate is weak since the baby's organs have not developed properly. Doctors said it was a one in ten million chance that she would survive.

According to The Sun, this is the second reported case in India for harlequin ichthyosis. The first was in June 2016 at Lata Mangeshkar College and Hospital in Nagpur.

The baby survived for only 48 hours. Doctors said since there is no skin layer that protects the infants, they are highly prone to infections. 

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