The Miracle of Hajin, the 'Extremely Low Birth Weight Preemie' Born at 500g Who Overcame 5 Surgeries

Born via emergency cesarean section at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in July last year
Survived surgeries for necrotizing enterocolitis, hernia, and patent ductus arteriosus
Hospitalized for 300 days... Discharged healthy at 6 kg

Hajin's appearance at 2 weeks old after being born as an extremely premature infant in early July last year (left) and Hajin's appearance at the first outpatient visit on the 9th of this month, having grown healthily to 6 kg.
[Photo by Seoul St. Mary's Hospital]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] A child born as a 500g "extremely low birth weight premature infant," with a survival rate of less than 20%, overcame five surgeries and miraculously was discharged safely.

According to the Catholic University Seoul St. Mary's Hospital on the 10th, Hajin was born as a 500g premature infant in July last year. Due to the sudden occurrence of placental abruption, the mother's blood pressure and consciousness deteriorated, leading to an emergency cesarean section at 22 weeks and 5 days of pregnancy.

In the emergency situation, Hajin could not even receive prenatal steroids, which are administered to promote lung maturity in premature infants expected to be born early. After birth, there was almost no crying or movement. The medical staff immediately began respiratory treatments such as intubation, surfactant administration, and mechanical ventilation.

Two weeks after birth, Hajin faced another crisis. Due to necrotizing enterocolitis, Hajin underwent surgery for intestinal perforation and stoma restoration. Additionally, the ductus arteriosus between the aorta and pulmonary artery, which should have closed immediately after birth, remained open, requiring surgery for patent ductus arteriosus. In total, Hajin underwent five surgeries.

Hajin and family visiting for outpatient care on the 9th, with their primary physician Professor Yoon Young-ah, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescents (right).
[Photo by Seoul St. Mary's Hospital]

With poor lung maturity, multiple surgeries, and sepsis, extubation and intubation were repeated, and the duration of mechanical ventilation was prolonged, causing severe pulmonary hypertension in Hajin. For over 10 months, numerous medical staff devoted their efforts to Hajin's treatment for recovery.

Thanks to the medical staff's efforts, Hajin also gathered strength and endured the difficult treatment process well. Growing up to 6 kg, Hajin was discharged on the 3rd and had the first outpatient visit on the 9th. Future treatments include oxygen therapy and tube feeding, and oral medication for pulmonary hypertension. Through outpatient visits, growth and development assessments will be conducted in pediatrics and rehabilitation medicine departments for follow-up observation.

Professor Yoon Young-ah of the Department of Pediatrics said, “Hajin faced many critical moments from birth. Especially, the emergency situation when vital signs were not maintained during the intestinal perforation surgery due to necrotizing enterocolitis at 2 weeks of age is unforgettable,” adding, “It is admirable and commendable that Hajin, who received so much love, is being discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit. We hope Hajin will continue to live vigorously as a messenger of hope to many people.”

Hajin’s parents expressed their gratitude, saying, “We are infinitely thankful to the neonatal intensive care unit nursing team and many medical staff who stayed with Hajin day and night during the 300-day journey,” and “We will raise Hajin well so that he becomes a child who gives hope and courage to many people.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.