Lee Ye-rang, the smallest baby ever born in Korea, was discharged from Samsung Medical Center in good health on November 5, after a remarkable six-month journey. Born on April 22 at just 260 grams, Ye-rang has grown to 3.19 kilograms and is now able to breathe on her own without mechanical assistance.
Ye-rang’s birth was a long-awaited event for her parents, who had been married for three years before her arrival. However, complications arose during the pregnancy. At 21 weeks, Ye-rang stopped growing, and her mother began experiencing severe health issues, including dangerously high blood pressure, liver problems, and symptoms of preeclampsia — a condition that puts both mother and baby at risk.
A high-risk maternal care team, led by Professor Oh Soo-young from the obstetrics and gynecology department and clinical instructor Ham Soo-ji, stepped in to ensure the safest possible delivery. The team administered magnesium to manage her mother’s symptoms before performing a cesarean section on April 22, four days after her mother was hospitalized.
Upon birth, Ye-rang required intensive care, including ventilator support and antibiotics, due to respiratory failure and septic shock. The rehabilitation medicine department provided daily oral and physical therapy, helping her to gradually recover.
Babies born weighing less than 300 grams typically face a survival rate of less than 1 percent. Despite these odds, Ye-rang’s survival marks a significant milestone, offering hope to future premature babies.
“Ye-rang is a beacon of hope for all low-weight premature babies born in the future,” said Jang Yoon-sil, head of the medical center. “With continued attention and support, we can push the boundaries of what’s possible and save even more lives.”
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