Herrera Beutler’s Baby Born After Intensive Treatment
Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler’s first child, who was born two weeks ago, has survived a condition previously considered fatal.
Abigail Rose Beutler is considered to be the first baby to survive after being diagnosed with Potter’s Syndrome, according to the Associated Press. The condition is a result of decreased amniotic fluid due to impaired kidneys and is caused by bilateral renal agenesis, resulting in undeveloped lungs. In Herrera Beutler’s case, there was no amniotic fluid in the womb.
“She is every bit a miracle,” Herrera Beutler said in a statement. “Multiple doctors explained that based on medical evidence, her condition was incompatible with life and that, if she survived to term, she would be unable to breathe and live only moments after birth.”
Born July 15 at 3:13 a.m. and weighing 2 pounds, 12 ounces, Abigail had fully developed lungs at birth following five weeks of serial amnioinfusion treatment where saline is injected into the womb. The treatment is uncommon, according to reports.
“This case is unprecedented,” Dr. Jessica Bienstock of Johns Hopkins University said in a statement. “It would be premature to say bilateral renal agenesis should always be treated using serial amnioinfusion, but this suggests it can be part of the conversation when that is the diagnosis.”
According to a press release, Abigail is breathing on her own but will require continuing dialysis and a kidney transplant.
Herrera Beutler went into labor at her home in Washington state before giving birth four days later. Abigail was moved to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University shortly after birth for peritoneal dialysis.
“We are grateful to the doctors and nurses in Baltimore, Vancouver, Portland and California who, like us, were not willing to accept the fatal diagnosis, but were willing to fight for the impossible,” Herrera Beutler and her husband said in a joint statement.
Herrera Beutler is a second-term Republican representing Washington state’s 3rd District.