Little Noah born with situs inversus

Little Noah Doulkeridis’ parents have thanked staff at Monash Children’s Hospital after their son spent his first three weeks of life in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Noah was born with a rare condition called situs inversus, meaning his major organs including heart, liver and spleen are all on the opposite sides of his body. His condition was first picked up by nurses when they discovered Noah was breathing rapidly and was sent off for an x-ray and ultrasound. Remarkably, his body has found a way to cope with the rare condition.

Along with situs inversus, Noah was also born with primary ciliary dyskinesia, meaning the very tiny finger-like projections in the lining of his airways don’t function properly causing Noah to be prone to year-round nasal congestion and a chronic cough.

Despite his conditions Noah is expected to lead a healthy life, with regular physiotherapy to limit infections. Mrs Doulkeridis said the professionalism of the nurses and doctors showed towards them during their stay made them feel at home.