One of the quintuplets delivered at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital has died, while the remaining four babies are currently receiving intensive medical care.
The Kano State Hospitals Management Board (HMB) confirmed the development in a clinical update issued on Sunday, stating that the five babies were born prematurely and admitted into the hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) due to very low birth weight and other complications.
According to the statement signed by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, the newborns were immediately placed on intensive care support after delivery.
This included incubator care, intravenous fluids and antibiotic therapy, which were later adjusted based on medical assessments.
The Board disclosed that Baby 1, a female weighing 1.3 kilograms, died after receiving a blood transfusion following complications related to apnoea.
The four surviving babies remain under close monitoring. Baby 2, a male weighing 1.3 kilograms, has also received a blood transfusion and is under observation. Baby 3, a male weighing 1.2 kilograms, is reported to be stable under intensive care. Baby 4, also male and weighing 1.2 kilograms, has received a transfusion and continues to receive specialised care, while Baby 5, a female weighing 1.0 kilogram, remains under observation in the SCBU.
The HMB noted that all the babies experienced episodes of hypoglycaemia, which were promptly managed. Feeding has been introduced using breast milk substitutes, with the babies tolerating measured quantities.
The infants are also undergoing phototherapy to treat neonatal jaundice, a condition commonly seen in premature babies.
Under the leadership of Mansur Mudi Nagoda, the Board said all necessary medical interventions were carried out promptly from delivery through admission and ongoing care.
The Board emphasised that premature multiple births are medically complex and carry significant risks despite the best medical efforts.
It commended healthcare workers at the facility for their dedication and assured the public of its continued commitment to quality healthcare delivery while calling for support for the medical team caring for the surviving infants.