Doctors in Armenia Save the Life of a Newborn with a Rare Condition; A Unique Surgery Performed

Doctors in Armenia have saved the life of a newborn with a rare disease. This was announced on Facebook by Armen Muradyan, rector of Yerevan State Medical University.

“Our medical team’s 50-day struggle ended in victory—the baby is now back with the family. I would also like to add that a unique surgery was performed, not only at the national level but globally,” he wrote.

The newborn was transferred on February 18 from a maternity hospital to the Muratsan University Hospital using a specialized neonatal resuscitation ambulance.

“In extremely critical condition, the intubated newborn was admitted to the pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit. Medical history revealed that at 30 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus had been diagnosed with ascites and hydrops fetalis.

Initial examinations and clinical assessment identified bilateral hydrothorax, and immediate drainage of the pleural cavities was performed by a neonatologist.

The pleural fluid resembled chylous content, which was confirmed through biochemical and cytological analysis.

The situation was further complicated by the baby’s prematurity—34 weeks—and early neonatal sepsis.

Given the rarity and complexity of the case, numerous tests were conducted, along with consultation from a thoracic surgeon.

It was initially decided to pursue conservative treatment, including full parenteral nutrition. Due to the rarity of this condition, even the specialized formula required for such cases is not available in Armenia.

Over time, specific drug therapy was added, but conservative treatment proved ineffective. The infant remained on mechanical ventilation, and fluid drainage persisted.

As a result, surgical intervention was deemed necessary.

On March 10, under general anesthesia, thoracoscopic clipping of the lymphatic duct was performed by experienced thoracic surgeons from the pediatric surgery clinic.

The coordinated teamwork ultimately led to the long-awaited success.

It should be emphasized that this was a unique operation not only for our country but worldwide.

On April 6, the baby was discharged in good health and reunited with the family,” he stated.

It is worth noting that chylothorax is a rare condition, accounting for only about 1–2% of pleural effusions, with an estimated incidence ranging from 1 in 8,600 to 1 in 15,000 live births.

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