Baby Born Without Kidneys, And Lives

A baby born without kidneys has doctors “cautiously optimistic” of the child’s survival, according to a report from The Associated Press.

US Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler’s firstborn has survived two weeks without kidneys, a condition that typically proves fatal. Daughter Abigail Rose was born prematurely on July 15, Herrera Beutler said in a statement on Monday.

At just two pounds, 12 ounces, the child was diagnosed with a rare condition called Potter Syndrome that involves impaired kidney function, which leads to low amniotic fluid and keeps the fetus’s lungs from proper development.

While Abigail was still in the womb, she had no kidneys or amniotic fluid, causing doctors to try an uncommon procedure that involved injecting saline solution into the womb to make up for the amniotic fluid’s absence.

As a result, Abigail was born with fully developed lungs, enabling her to breathe independently, though she does require ongoing dialysis and will require a kidney transplant.

According to Dr. Louis Halamek, neonatologist at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in California, the baby born without kidneys has a fighting chance despite being delivered after just 28 weeks of pregnancy.

“Despite Abigail’s prematurity, small size and life-threatening disease, she is doing well,” Halamek said.

The Republican rep and her husband released a brief but joint statement concerning Abigail’s care: “We are grateful to the thousands who joined us in praying for a miracle. But most of all, we are grateful to God for hearing those prayers.”

Abigail’s current “miracle baby” standing is rare, but certainly not alone when it comes to jaw-dropping child care stories. In February, a Toronto baby pronounced dead at the hospital came back to life. And in June, doctors used superglue to save the life of a child with an aneurysm. And, perhaps craziest of all, there was this:

What do you think about Abigail’s little fighting spirit? Feel free to wish the baby born without kidneys well in the comments section below.

[Image via ShutterStock]