The treatment of a child with birth asphyxia induced brain atrophy, adrenal hemorrhage, and bilateral hyperoxaluric nephrocalcinosis: A challenging case and a unique experience

Abstract

Background: Birth asphyxia induced brain atrophy is an irreversible ominous condition that is generally presented as a severe form of cerebral palsy with a high possibility of the development of a serious handicap. There is no medical treatment known to be effective in this condition. The aim of this paper is to describe the treatment of a patient with this ominous condition that was literally brought the child back to life. Patients and methods: A boy aged one year and nine months with birth asphyxia induced brain atrophy, bilateral hyperoxaluric nephrocalcinosis with early renal dysfunction and ultrasonographic evidence of adrenal hemorrhage. The boy was almost lifeless; he was not opening his eyes nor showing any spontaneous movement. He was not responding to moderately painful stimuli. He was only feeding with difficulties, breathing and his heart was beating. The boy was markedly hypotonic, but with rather brisk knee reflexes. Results: The boy’s brain atrophy and neurological condition was treated with a new a multi-factorial treatment courses which led in about two years to a great improvement. Treatment of nephrocalcinosis with essential oil terpene preparation and oral pyridoxine resulted in complete disappearance of nephrocalcinosis within three months, and didn’t return with continuation of therapies. Conclusion: The treatment of severe forms birth asphyxia induced brain atrophy is a highly challenging situation that demands highly motivated parents that are able to cope with multiple therapies over a prolonged period, for an obvious improvement to occur.