Exceptional Survival of a Buried Alive Newborn: A Case Report

Gabriel Kakuru Shamavu,1 Kumbowi Kumbakulu Patrick,1 Franck Katembo Sikakulya,2 Odong Richard Justin,1 Everest Tukamushaba,3 Simon Odoch,1,3 Baanitse Munihire Jeannot,2 Juliet Adongo Ocol1,3 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda; 2Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda; 3Department of Pediatrics, Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Lira, UgandaCorrespondence: Gabriel Kakuru Shamavu, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Pediatrics, Kampala International University Western Campus, PO.Box 70, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda, Email [email protected]; [email protected]: 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: buried alive, survival, newborn, Uganda, case repor