Caden Glynn was born at 26 weeks, 5 days of gestation at Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora, Ill. His early birth was attributed to his mother’s preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. The HELLP syndrome is an acronym for hemolysis, the breaking down of red blood cells, EL for elevated liver enzymes and LP for low platelet count.
HELLP syndrome is a life-threatening pregnancy complication that is often a variant of preeclampsia.
Caden’s birth weight was only about 1 lb. 12 oz. After birth he was on a ventilator and feeding was started by a nasogastric tube. At 44 days, Caden was found to be suffering from necrotizing enterocolitis and was ordered by a treating neurologist to receive nothing by mouth.