A 14-year-old girl in Ho Chi Minh City recovered from Covid-19 after 108 days

On April 3, Children’s Hospital 2 (HCMC) has just cured patient Q. (14 years old) with Covid-19, falling into a critical acute respiratory syndrome.

Before that, in December 2021, the hospital received a special case: a 14-year-old girl infected with Covid-19 from Tu Du Hospital was transferred in a serious condition.

Baby Q. has recovered after 3 months of treatment

At the Emergency Department, Children’s Hospital 2, the doctors quickly recorded Q. severe pneumonia – sepsis – very severe respiratory failure requiring high-speed mechanical ventilation. Patients with rapid deterioration, multi-organ damage should be transferred to the ICU for continued respiratory support, continuous dialysis and treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, anticoagulants, and anti-inflammatory agents.

After 4 days of treatment, Q.’s lung condition deteriorated, severe damage was diffused on both sides, high-speed mechanical ventilation was indicated, and the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was indicated. This is a life support device, capable of replacing the function of the heart and lungs, used for life-threatening patients.

After 80 days of running ECMO, there were times when Q. seemed insurmountable. The best efforts and close monitoring of every moment at the bedside of the medical staff helped Q. gradually recover, stop ECMO and wean off the ventilator. However, she still had severe pneumonia, had to breathe with positive pressure continuously through her nose, so she was transferred to Respiratory Department 1 for further treatment.

After a long time fighting with Covid-19, Q had many physical and psychological injuries, the doctors of the Respiratory Department have collaborated with the Department of Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Psychology to develop therapies. The most optimal rehabilitation for Q.

She received respiratory physiotherapy every day to improve lung function and prevent pleural thickening. Nutritionists monitor, optimize the diet, add more energy, vitamins and minerals needed during the severe disease phase for easy absorption and quick recovery.

The patient began to interact more happily with people around, calling every day to see his face and talk to his family. Q. got better over time, her shortness of breath reduced, she was switched to oxygen, could eat better and started walking on her own.

After 108 days of fighting with illness, Q. was discharged home and reunited in the happiness of her family and the doctors and staff of Children’s Hospital 2.

An Yen