Premature Quadruplets Cling to Life After 34-Day Treatment in Van

The quadruplets, born at 29 weeks in Van, weighing 1100, 1300, and two at 1200 grams each, were reunited with their families after a 34-day struggle for life at Yüzüncü Yıl University (YYÜ) Dursun Odabaş Medical Center.

Hacer Dikanlı, 29, living in Tuşba district, was referred to Van YYÜ Dursun Odabaş Medical Center due to the early onset of labor pains.

With the intervention performed here, babies Muhammed (1100 grams), Selahattin (1300 grams), and Fatma and Halime (1200 grams each), who were born on June 15 at just 29 weeks, were taken into treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Healthcare workers placed the tiny babies, whose organs were underdeveloped and who suffered from respiratory failure and eye problems, in incubators, provided their nutrition intravenously, and closely attended to their care.

After the challenging 34-day period at the center, Muhammed reached 1 kilogram 900 grams, Selahattin 2 kilograms 200 grams, Fatma 2 kilograms, and Halime 1 kilogram 950 grams.

The premature babies, who clung to life thanks to the "compassionate care" of healthcare workers, were discharged after the risky period ended.

The mother, holding her children in her arms, experienced great joy.

- "We Graduated Our 600-Gram Baby as a Doctor"

Prof. Dr. Oğuz Tuncer, Head of the Department of Pediatrics at YYÜ Faculty of Medicine, stated that the neonatal intensive care unit, established in the city in 1996, also serves patients from surrounding provinces.

Tuncer stated that they strive to help premature babies cling to life in their units, adding:

"Our 29-year-old mother gave birth to 2 boys and 2 girls via C-section. The babies received over a month of treatment and care in our unit. We helped our babies reach up to 2 kilograms. We provided the mother with the necessary training, and we are experiencing the joy of discharging them. When we opened our neonatal unit in 1996, the infant mortality rate in Van was at 66 per thousand. Now, this rate has dropped to 9 per thousand. Babies who were said 'wouldn't survive,' even those born under 500 grams, are clinging to life. Furthermore, we graduated a baby born at 600 grams from our faculty as a doctor. Our colleague named Ferhat is currently working as a resident in our pediatrics department. We are also experiencing the happiness of this. Thanks to our technical capabilities, knowledge, skills, and experience, we can now save babies weighing even up to 500 grams. Mothers should not lose hope in this regard."

Tuncer stated that when the quadruplets were born, their lungs and other organs were not fully developed, adding: "For this reason, we had to monitor the babies on a ventilator for a while. We fed them intravenously for some time. They experienced some eye problems, but thankfully, all of these have resolved. There is no bleeding. They also have no neurological problems. We are experiencing the joy of sending the babies home with peace of mind and happiness."

- "The Smooth Completion of This Process Made Us Happy"

Prof. Dr. Kamuran Karaman, Chief Physician of the Medical Center, expressed his happiness at discharging the premature quadruplets who had been treated at their hospital for over a month.

Karaman stated that very serious health problems can be observed in babies when multiple pregnancy and premature birth occur together, adding:

"Health problems related to the heart, brain, respiration, and eyes can occur. Feeding problems in babies can also sometimes cause serious difficulties for both healthcare workers and parents. Therefore, the smooth completion of this process made us happy. We are happy to have facilitated such a service, both on behalf of the family and our hospital. We know that neonatal intensive care units operate with great sacrifices and superhuman efforts. I am also a pediatrician. Therefore, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all healthcare workers who work here."

- "We Await Support from Philanthropists"

Mother Hacer Dikanlı stated that her babies were immediately taken for treatment in the intensive care unit after birth.

Dikanlı stated that she is experiencing the happiness of holding her healthy babies in her arms, adding:

"Thank God, their condition is good. Thank you very much. The doctors helped us a lot during this process. We have been discharged. May God grant healing to all babies. My babies are healthy. I thank the doctors, nurses, and everyone. May God be pleased with you. We named our babies Muhammed, Selahattin, Fatma, and Halime. Taking care of four children during this period might be a bit difficult. My husband sometimes has work, sometimes he doesn't. We are waiting for support from philanthropists for our needs like formula and diapers. If they support us, it would be wonderful for us."