December 22 – Later Afternoon

Updates on Olivia from NICU Doctors

•  In the first two days, Olivia had a great honeymoon phase in terms of breathing
• Breathing tube had to be replaced, we will have to ride it out, and expect to be several days before we can move from the tube to the CPAP mask
• Echo scan will help determine the cause of the breathing difficulty
• Possible culprit is a fetal blood vessel that connects the Aorta to the pulmonary artery
  • Side note: this disappears in term babies within two days
  • Doctors can intervene with Advil/Tylenol to remove it
  • Doctors can also intervene with a catheter if needed (Highly unlikely)
  • Doctors prefer to wait it out and let development take care of it
• The hope is that she will remain stable and slowly show signs of improvement
• If Olivia needs more oxygen, a gas can be given to help dilate her blood vessels
  • This treatment is unlikely to be needed but possible.
  • Doctors again prefer to wait it out and let development take care of it
• Brain Ultrasound was Normal
  • This test to be repeated at regular intervals
  • This outcome is an excellent indicator of normal neurological outcomes, but is not 100% definitive
• Treatment Timeline between now and Monday
  • Looking to lower supplemental Oxygen need
  • Continued stability with respect to Vitals
  • Greater toleration for touching
• Big Picture view
  • Early days have lots of ups and downs
  • Olivia is stable and growing
  • All of the issues she is facing have great treatment options