Agnė lost her son to COVID-19, she also had to fight for her life

After losing her son, Agnė also had to fight for her life. Complications from the disease led to heavy bleeding, and doctors at the Kaunas clinics barely managed to save the young woman’s life.

Agnė’s husband contracted COVID-19 at work.

“Because we and our other two children live together, we all become isolated. The man became ill with a mild form of the disease. I only felt bad when the man recovered.

However, the first symptoms were not reminiscent of the COVID-19 disease. My back started to hurt a lot, the pain went to my hips. I thought the contractions had started and labor would start soon, the woman recalls. – The man called the Kaunas clinics and asked what to do in a situation where I am still isolated.

My pregnancy was classified as risky, so the doctors immediately told us not to delay and to arrive immediately ”.

Upon arrival at the Kaunas Clinics Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, the woman underwent a COVID-19 test, and a couple of hours later received a positive response. The pregnant woman underwent blood tests, a chest X-ray, an ultrasound to help assess the severity of the disease, select the most appropriate treatment, and monitor the condition of the fetus.

“The patient arrived with fever and complaints of low back pain and low back pain, later nasal congestion and olfactory alteration. Within a few days, a cough developed, but the fever subsided.

There was no shortness of breath, and general well-being even improved. A chest X-ray showed mild viral damage to the lungs. Studies have shown that the course of the disease should be mild to moderate. Unfortunately, this virus has shown its insidiousness again, “says Prof. I love Minkauskiene.

On the second day, a deterioration in blood counts was observed.

“They got worse for hours, which showed that the virus was causing damage to the liver and hematopoietic organs. The patient’s blood stopped clotting and the blood clotting cells (platelets) almost disappeared, says the obstetrician-gynecologist.

“The fetal cartiotocogram recorded a few hours before death did not cause much concern, it seemed normal. Unfortunately, the girl did not survive; the patient and her family sincerely sympathize with the treating physician prof. M. Minkauskiene. – It is a sad story that reflects today.

The insidious virus kills not only the lives of the elderly or of working age, but sometimes those who have not yet been born. This story also hurts us doctors, who sometimes become powerless in the face of this insidious virus.

According to the professor, medical knowledge about the effects of the coronavirus on the fetus and the course of pregnancy is still limited. It is currently believed that COVID-19 infection is not a reason to induce labor (when the fetus is still premature) until respiratory failure has progressed.

“There are only a few cases in the world in which the fetus dies from a viral infection. The risk only arises if the mother develops shortness of breath and lack of oxygen, says the obstetrician-gynecologist. – The threat must be recognized that the virus represents to the fetus may be higher in some situations than we had previously thought. The development of a blood clotting disorder can interrupt blood flow to the placenta and fetus and cause a very sudden death of the fetus at any time during pregnancy. “

The woman’s life was in danger due to impaired blood clotting, so doctors had to plan a cesarean section to save her life immediately.

“Gathering the necessary supplies for blood groups has become a great challenge. A woman’s blood type is extremely rare: AB rhesus is negative. Only after transfusing more than 30 units of blood components do we begin the operation, says the Head of the Department of Obstetrics – Complex surgery and massive blood transfusions for a patient with COVID-19 required a lot of physical effort on the part of our staff. The psychological strain and stress when we don’t hear the newborn cry is a painful event and memorable for us doctors, for a lifetime. “

Despite the painful loss, the family thanks the doctors at the Kaunas clinics for their professional care and assistance.

“They took me out of the jaws of death. If it weren’t for them, my children would have lost not only their brother but also their mother. Thanks to all the staff. I saw how tired they were and what a huge workload they were experiencing. None of them told me they were tired. They all took care of me, talked, provided not only medical help, but also psychological support, ”says Agnė.

“At the same time, I would like to ask the public not to be so indifferent and not to look at the benefits of one day. If you experience symptoms, don’t leave home and meet family members, as much as you want to. The chain of infection is so great that it affects other people and their destinations. We were expecting a healthy baby, the son stayed a few weeks and today we have a grave. “

Doctors are also asking the public to focus on this stressful time for the world and stay safe at home.

“We understand that we miss each other, we want to meet and hug each other, but we understand that the joy of a moment can have very sad consequences. If not for you, then for your family and friends, – asks prof. Minkauskiene. – The COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in Lithuania, which means that we already have a weapon with which we can fight a pandemic. Soon the time will come when we can see our loved ones, now we just need everyone’s patience and concentration. “