Tiny baby born at 21 weeks named the world’s most premature to survive

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A baby born prematurely in 2020 has officially been named the world’s most premature infant to survive by Guinness World Records. Curtis Means and his twin sister C’Asya were born just 21 weeks gestation on July 5, 2020 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital in the US. With the pair having less than a 1% chance of survival, medics raced to start postnatal care and hook them up to ventilators and oxygen. Little C’Asya sadly didn't survive, passing away the next day. Things looked a little more optimistic for Curtis, who showed signs of improvement. His heart rate and oxygen levels increased with resuscitation and additional oxygen as he fought for his life. Looked after by the UAB Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, he went from surviving his first day to his first week, and then his first month. He received round-the-clock care at the unit for nine months. [caption id="attachment_401439" align="alignnone" width="604"] Credit: UAB Hospital[/caption] Respiratory therapists supported him as he came off the breathing machine, speech therapists helped him to start using his mouth and learning to eat, and nurses assisted him and his mother with his intricate needs. On April 6, 2021, Curtis was discharged from the UAB RNICU. After 275 days, he was finally healthy enough to go home to his family. “Being able to finally take Curtis home and surprise my older children with their younger brother is a moment I will always remember,” mum Michelle Butler said. “It was a difficult journey, but I am grateful for the UAB team and their constant support. They took the time to educate me and made sure I knew what was happening every step of the way. They truly cared about my son and me.” [caption id="attachment_401438" align="alignnone" width="841"] Credit: UAB Hospital[/caption] Six months later, his care team surprised Curtis and Michelle with an important certificate that read: “Guinness World Records – The most premature baby to survive is Curtis Zy-Keith Means (USA) who was born to Michelle Butler on 5 July 2020 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital in Alabama, USA at a gestational age of 21 weeks 1 day or 148 days, making him 132 days premature.” The baby that was born with less than a 1% chance of survival is now a happy and healthy one-year-old – and a Guinness World Record holder.