Babies battle on

Press, 24 May 1985, Page 1

Babies battle on

NZPA-AP Orange California The six surviving Frustaci septuplets were in a “slightly worse” condition yesterday, battling heart and lung ailments and jaundice. The director of new-born intensive care, at Orange County Children’s Hospital, Dr Carrie Worcester, said the most serious problem was a heart ailment in all

six babies. She said a duct between the aorta and the ■ coronary arteries failed to close, allowing blood to flood the lungs. In normal new-borns, the duct closes immediately after birth. Brain scans of the babies were normal, revealing no sign of bleeding into the brain seen in many premature babies, said Dr Worcester. “The babies are all ac-

tive. That is a good sign,” she said. “They are moving their arms and legs ... They

are fighters. They are all fighters.” All the babies were getting oxygen and breathing with the aid of respirators. They all had received periodic blood transfusions.

“The smallest one is at the greatest risk right now,” Dr Worcester said, but added, “We still feel optimistic about the survival of all of these babies. They are holding their own. There are no impending deaths at this time.” Mrs Frustaci’s condition was officially listed as good.

Assistance to the Frustaci’s has been varied — disc jockeys have given six bassinets and ?USIOOO, a laywer is juggling publicity offers, and veterans of multiple births are offering hints to Patricia Frustaci — such as how to use her feet at feeding time. A lawyer, Andrew Wallet, a friend of the Frustacis, has the job of marketing the septuplets’ story.