Her
survival captivated thousands, but on Thursday the amazing story of baby Kaylee Vitelli took a turn for the worse with news the infant was back on life support at
Sick Kids Hospital.
Kaylee first made headlines in April as the centre of
a heart-transplant drama that involved another little girl. Kaylee was to be a donor for three and a half-month-old Lillian O'Connor, but her condition improved.
Baby Lillian was later given another donor.
But Kaylee, who suffers from a life-threatening respiratory defect called Joubert Syndrome, reportedly fell ill again Wednesday night, ceasing breathing and proving unresponsive to attempts by her family and paramedics to restart her breath.
She was transported to Southlake Hospital and then to Sick Kids and
is now on life support in the ICU having perhaps suffered a heart attack or stroke.
Her condition is listed as critical but stable and family has been told she will likely remain at Sick Kids for some time.
Doctors have also warned that if and when she is able to return home she will likely have to remain on life support.
'Feisty' Infant At Centre Of Donor Drama To Decide Fate On Own Terms: Father
Parents At Centre Of Baby Heart Transplant Want To Put Ordeal Behind Them
What is Joubert Syndrome?
Joubert syndrome is a rare brain malformation characterized by the absence or underdevelopment of the
cerebellar vermis - an area of the brain that controls balance and coordination. The most common features of Joubert syndrome in infants include abnormally rapid breathing (hyperpnea), decreased muscle tone (hypotonia), jerky eye movements (oculomotor apraxia), mental retardation, and the inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements (ataxia).
Physical deformities may be present, such as extra fingers and toes (polydactyly), cleft lip or palate, and tongue abnormalities. Kidney and liver abnormalities can develop, and seizures may also occur.. Most cases of Joubert syndrome are sporadic (not inherited). In some families, however, Joubert syndrome appears to be inherited.
Information credit:
National Institute Of Nerve Disorders And Stroke (US)