Exceptional Survival of a Buried Alive Newborn: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: This report details the exceptional survival of a female newborn buried alive by her own mother after a clandestine and unassisted birth. Despite spending over six hours underground, the newborn remarkably survived without exhibiting signs of perinatal asphyxia or major complications, and did not require advanced resuscitation measures.

Case presentation: Rescued following a shocking discovery in a garden and rushed to the hospital, this newborn experienced transient hypothermia, mild to moderate respiratory distress, and scattered skin bruises. After five days of hospital care, she was discharged in clinically stable condition with no infectious complications, displaying age-appropriate normal neurological examination findings and excellent feeding.

Conclusion: This case not only defies established expectations but also illuminates perinatal physiological adaptation complexities. It highlights a fortunate and exceptional outcome in dire circumstances, presenting a captivating enigma within scientific realms. This report sheds light on the critical importance of early intervention and timely rescue efforts in cases of neonaticide, emphasizing the significance of raising awareness and implementing prompt measures to safeguard newborns in vulnerable situations and collectively contribute to our understanding of handling similar distressing cases.

Keywords: Uganda; buried alive; case report; newborn; survival.

Figure 1

Newborn miraculously surviving being buried alive, displays scattered abrasions and bruises, picture taken in the emergency department post-cleaning from soil and while receiving Oxygen supplementation via Nasal Prongs.

Figure 2

The newborn, miraculously surviving being buried alive, exhibits scattered abrasions and bruises. Photographed in the emergency department post-cleaning to remove soil, with the umbilical cord already cut and securely ligated.

Figure 3

The newborn, miraculously surviving being buried alive, displays scattered abrasions and bruises. Photographed in the emergency department after thorough soil removal, the infant was placed under a radiant warmer to prevent hypothermia.

Figure 4

Photograph taken in the emergency department of a newborn miraculously surviving being buried alive, showing scattered abrasions and bruises. The image was captured after meticulous cleaning to remove soil from the skin, with the infant under a radiant warmer and receiving oxygen supplementation via nasal prongs.

Figure 5

Infant’s Progress at 6 Months: Image displaying the resilient survivor of a burial immediately after birth. Captured during the routine 6-month visit, showcasing normal growth, good nutritional status, attainment of age-appropriate developmental milestones, and visible skin lesion scars.

Figure 6

6-Month Follow-up Image: Depicting the thriving infant who survived being buried alive post-birth. Taken during the routine 6-month visit, highlighting normal growth, positive nutritional status, accomplishment of age-appropriate developmental milestones, and visible skin lesion scars.