First Baby Monitored in Real Time in Goiânia Overcomes Extreme Prematurity Without Sequelae

When little Bianca was born in December 2021, weighing only 580 grams and measuring 29 centimeters, uncertainty overwhelmed her parents. An extremely preterm infant, born at just 26 weeks of gestation, she came into the world on the very same day that Unimed Goiânia – Medical Work Cooperative – activated an unprecedented protocol for continuous brain monitoring of high-risk newborns.

Unknowingly, Bianca would become the very first baby to be monitored in real time using this new technology — and her story would become a symbol of hope for other families. “It was a miracle of God in our lives,” recalls her mother, sales representative Polliany Alves.

Bianca was born extremely fragile, but we had the support of this technology and a well-prepared team, which gave us security. Continuous neuromonitoring was essential, because complications were detected immediately. Today, she lives a normal life, with no motor or neurological delays. She walks, plays, goes to school, and develops as expected for her age. She is doing great, with no sequelae whatsoever. The miracle was complete, - she celebrates.

Bianca’s case marked the beginning of a new era in neonatal care provided by Unimed Goiânia. In partnership with PBSF – Protecting Brains & Saving Futures – the cooperative adopted a care model centered on neurological protection for newborns, using continuous electroencephalography (EEG), video monitoring, and 24/7 remote specialist support. Since then, the program has been implemented in five hospitals in the network (Ela Maternidade, Hospital da Criança, Hospital Premium, Maternidade Amparo, and Hospital Santa Bárbara) and, by May 2025, had already monitored more than 500 newborns, with over 28,000 hours of brain surveillance.

TECHNOLOGY THAT SAVES LIVES AND TRANSFORMS STORIES

Neonatologist and Unimed Goiânia cooperative member Dr. Renata Lorenzetti participated in the implementation of the program and was responsible for Bianca’s care in her first days of life. For her, the technology represents a turning point in neonatal care.

It was a significant change. We were able to identify seizures early, adjust medication use with greater precision, and, as a result, improve prognosis and reduce hospital stay. For babies and their families, the outcome is safer, more humanized care focused on quality of life in the future.

In Bianca’s case, the experience was even more symbolic. “She was our first monitored baby in the state of Goiás. She was born exactly on the day we were beginning the implementation of the technology. Bianca was an extremely preterm infant, only 26 weeks, at high risk of neurological complications. We had three distinct monitoring periods with her: right after birth, during follow-up for a heart condition, and post-operatively after a procedure to close a patent ductus arteriosus. Continuous EEG was fundamental for making more precise decisions, from controlling seizures to rationalizing the use of anticonvulsants,” she explains.

The physician also highlights the bond built with the family - It was many months of hospitalization, and I still keep in touch with Bianca’s mother today. She sends me videos, messages, and shares how her daughter is doing. It is gratifying to see the growth of a child who went through such a critical phase and now leads a normal life.

According to the specialist, the model adopted by Unimed Goiânia aligns with international best practices in neonatology. “This is an investment in survival with quality. In the short, medium, and long term, it improves outcomes and reduces healthcare costs. The integration of technology with a trained, skilled, and committed multidisciplinary team in neurocritical care makes all the difference,” she says.

IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON CLINICAL PRACTICE

Neonatologist and cooperative member Dr. Paula Pires followed several other cases under the new protocol and highlights the advances achieved.

We had babies with silent seizures, which are very difficult to identify without monitoring. In one case, the patient remained under surveillance for seven days, and we managed to control the seizures and reduce anticonvulsant use safely. It was decisive for the treatment - she states.

More than simply incorporating technology, the initiative represents a cultural and paradigmatic shift in clinical practice.

The clinical manifestations of newborns are very subtle. Before, many decisions were made empirically. Today, we have continuous scientific support, with specialists in São Paulo guiding us in real time. This changes the way the team works, strengthens clinical reasoning, and improves care - she adds.

Hematologist and cooperative member Dr. Marcela Regina Araújo offers her perspective on the program, emphasizing that with remote supervision and PBSF’s resources, it is possible to conduct more precise treatments. This demand came from the professionals themselves and led to the creation of a neurological ICU within Goiânia’s network.

It is necessary to develop a strategic vision, understanding that investing in technology improves care and increases the chances of a positive outcome for the patient - the hematologist concludes.

For Polliany, Bianca’s mother, the prevailing feeling is gratitude.

I have already spoken to several mothers and I always share my daughter’s story. The maternity ward where we stayed during that time was very welcoming, and the professionals helped us a lot, especially Dr. Renata, who was almost like a psychologist to me. This technology was God’s help materialized in a device. It was essential.