Khadija I., 1

Khadija is the first child of her parent living in Yobe State. She was welcomed joyfully into the family after 2 years of marriage. She is always in the arms of her mother who derives joy in watching her baby smile and hoping she grow up to be a helper in the family. Khadija Isiyaka was born on a quiet morning in a small hospital on the outskirts of Potiskum, Yobe State. Her mother had prayed endlessly for a safe delivery, but when Khadija arrived, the doctors fell silent. The newborn had a soft swelling at the back of her head, a rare condition called occipital meningoencephalocele where part of her brain and its covering bulged through an opening in her skull. As if that wasn’t enough, Khadija soon developed a fever, rapid breathing, and poor feeding. Blood tests confirmed neonatal sepsis a dangerous bloodstream infection in newborns. Though her start in life was filled with struggle, Khadija showed the strength of a fighter. The child was evaluated and diagnosed with Neonatal Sepsis and Occipital Meningocele and requires urgent intervention.

Khadija Isiaka, a two-month-old baby from Potiskum, was admitted to the hospital with neonatal sepsis and an occipital meningoencephalocele. She initially responded well to intravenous antibiotics and was discharged home on oral medications while preparations for surgery began. On July 16, 2025, Khadija underwent excision and repair of the encephalocele under general anesthesia. She tolerated the procedure, received a blood transfusion, and was placed on postoperative antibiotics. For the first 48 hours, her recovery was encouraging. Suddenly, she developed high-grade fever and convulsions. Blood tests revealed overwhelming malaria infection. Despite immediate treatment with artesunate and supportive care, her condition deteriorated rapidly. On July 22, 2025, at about 6:00 a.m., Khadija stopped breathing and was pronounced dead. The cause of death was certified as cerebral malaria.

When neonatal sepsis and occipital meningoencephalocele occur together, the prognosis is poor without urgent medical help. The risk of brain infection and damage is high, and there is a significant chance of death or long-term neurological disability. Early medical and surgical intervention may improve outcomes.