One of Kano quintuplets dies after transfusion, four others critical

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano

One of the quintuplets recently delivered in Kano has died following complications, hospital authorities have confirmed.

Baby one, a female weighing 1.3kg, passed away on Sunday after undergoing blood transfusion. Hospital sources said the infant died due to complications associated with apnoea.

The remaining four babies are currently receiving intensive medical care.

Baby two, a male weighing 1.3kg, is under close monitoring after also receiving a blood transfusion. Baby three, another male weighing 1.2kg, remains stable under intensive care supervision.

Baby four, a male weighing 1.2kg, has received blood transfusion and continues to receive specialised care, while baby five, a female weighing 1.0kg, is under close observation in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).

In a statement, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board, Samira Suleiman, said the quintuplets were delivered prematurely and admitted into the SCBU shortly after birth.

She stated that the babies are being managed for Preterm Very Low Birth Weight (PVLBW) and are under close monitoring for associated risks, including neonatal sepsis, neonatal jaundice, and instability in temperature and glucose levels.

Suleiman noted that all five neonates were immediately placed on intensive care support, including incubator care, intravenous fluids (10 per cent dextrose water), and antibiotic therapy, which was later upgraded based on clinical indications.

She added that despite round-the-clock monitoring and medical interventions, all the babies experienced episodes of hypoglycaemia, which were promptly managed in line with established protocols.

Feeding, according to her, has been carefully introduced using breast milk substitutes, with the babies tolerating measured quantities.

The statement further disclosed that all the neonates are undergoing phototherapy to manage neonatal jaundice, a condition commonly associated with premature births.

Suleiman said the Kano State Hospitals Management Board, led by Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, ensured that all necessary medical interventions were promptly instituted from delivery through admission and ongoing care.

She noted that premature multiple births are medically complex and carry significant risks despite the best available care.

The board commended the resilience and professionalism of healthcare personnel at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital (MMSH), whose swift response continues to support the management of the surviving babies.

She also assured the public of the board’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery and urged continued support for health workers.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that the mother of the quintuplets died last Thursday at the hospital after suffering severe blood loss.