A case study published in the February 19, 2008 issue of the scientific periodical, the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research (JVSR), documents a case of an infant with bronchopulmonary dysplasia being helped with chiropractic. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, (BPD), is a serious lung condition that affects infants who are born premature and have resulting breathing and lung problems.
The usual course of medical care for infants with BPD is continual administration of oxygen for the first 28 days in an intensive care unit. The National Institutes of Health estimate that the average length of intensive in-hospital care for babies with BPD is 120 days. In most cases after the child leaves the hospital, the infant will be placed on antibiotics and will need ongoing breathing treatments, and intermittent oxygen.
In this case a female infant was born premature at 24 weeks gestation, weighed only 593 grams and was diagnosed with BPD. As a result of the premature birth she had surgery for retinopathy, several rounds of antibiotics, and a feeding tube for three months. After 17 weeks in the hospital she was discharged. Her medical care continues and consisted of nightly requirements of 1/8-liter of oxygen, a ventilation machine and continuation of antibiotics.
Three months after her release from the hospital she was brought to a chiropractor for an analysis. At that time she weighed twelve pounds, and it was observed that she was listless, constipated, colicky, with pasty skin and sinus congestion. Additionally it was noted that her breathing was short and rapid, her limbs were rather flaccid and she did not make eye contact. She had also recently completed her last round of antibiotics.
Chiropractic care given was specific adjustments initially twice dailymorning and afternoon for two weeks, then three times per week for two weeks; reducing to twice a week for one week, then once a week and eventually once every two weeks. The case report noted that after the initial adjustment, her mother reported when her baby was placed on her back, she used her abdomen more to hold her legs up; she was not colicky and was able to pass gas easily for the first time. After the second visit, her sinuses drained and congestion resolved. After the third adjustment, the baby made a loud noise and was drawing in more air.
As care continued other improvements noted included, the ability to hold her head up with more control, and improved facial color and symmetry. Additionally, her bowel movements improved and she became verbally louder and more alert. After her 14th chiropractic adjustment, the baby girl was breathing fully on her own with no signs of cyanosis There was no medical intervention during her chiropractic care.
After 24 visits this baby’s life had been changed as she was then able to roll over on her own, was asymptomatic and has not needed to be readmitted to the hospital nor administered antibiotics.
