Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
SEHA, a subsidiary of PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East, has announced the successful recovery of a five-month-old infant in the Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi, following early and intensive speech therapy intervention for severe swallowing dysfunction (dysphagia).
Referred to Speech Therapy services, the infant was diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism, as well as cardiac conditions, and had ongoing feeding challenges, relying entirely on nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding – a flexible tube that delivers nutrition to the stomach via the nose.
The infant progressed rapidly, exceeding expectations after six specialised sessions of dysphagia therapy – initially tolerating small amounts of oral intake (15–20 ml) and showing improvements in nipple-holding and nutritive sucking skills. After 13 therapy sessions in total, the infant was tolerating more than half of her feeds orally. A multidisciplinary care team, including Speech and Language Pathologists and dietitians, approved oral and NGT feeding from six months of age.
Due to the rapid improvement, a videofluoroscopic swallow study was scheduled for the following day. Following positive results from the study, the NGT was removed, and the infant was then exclusively fed orally, tolerating both liquids and pureed solids.
Neethu Mol Sabin Karunan Raghavan, Speech and Language Pathologist, stated: “This case demonstrates the significant impact of early swallowing therapy interventions in rehabilitation – especially in children with complex medical needs. By providing consistent therapy and close monitoring, we were able to assist the baby to transition safely from tube to oral feeding in under three months.”
Hajer Sayar Ali Al Hosani, Chief of Clinical Support Services, added: “This case exemplifies the importance of effective multidisciplinary collaboration. To achieve successful rehabilitation outcomes – particularly in paediatrics – a range of healthcare professionals must work together to meet the individual needs of each child.”
If left untreated, swallowing difficulties in infants can result in serious consequences, including malnutrition, respiratory complications, and delayed growth and development. SEHA has demonstrated that early recognition and intervention are achievable through a collaborative, multidisciplinary model of care.
