Clyne Solano Filipino baby with hydranencephaly Date of Birth: 01.01.2018 Country: Philippines

1. Battling a Rare Brain Disorder
2. A Life-Changing Surgery
3. A Mother's Heartbreak
4. Rare and Challenging Condition
5. Hope and Determination
6. A Team of Specialists
7. Statistics and Prognosis
8. Symptoms and Inheritance
9. A Rare Case

Battling a Rare Brain Disorder

Philippine toddler Klyde Solano, born with hydranencephaly, has been left with "devil horns" after an operation to drain fluid from his head.

A Life-Changing Surgery

In March 2018, the now 22-month-old underwent surgery to relieve pressure inside his skull. The underdeveloped areas of his brain literally collapsed, leaving significant indentations on his head that resemble "devil horns." Solano will require future reconstructive surgery to reshape his skull.

A Mother's Heartbreak

His mother, Justine Gaytrin, is torn about whether her son is strong enough for another major operation. "It's such a difficult decision to make," she said. "But if we don't do it, then Klyde's head will look like this for the rest of his life."

Rare and Challenging Condition

Hydranencephaly is an extremely rare condition that develops before birth. An attempt to drain fluid from the ventricles of Solano's brain resulted in the severe deformation of his skull. As his bones continue to grow, his condition is progressively worsening.

Hope and Determination

Justine, a 21-year-old single mother, said: "We've sold almost everything we own to pay for the operations. But even after that, we still have to go to the hospital all the time."

A Team of Specialists

Solano is currently being treated at the Philippine Children's Medical Center in Pasig. He is fed through a nasogastric tube and has a tracheostomy inserted into his throat to assist with breathing difficulties.

Statistics and Prognosis

Hydranencephaly affects approximately one in 10,000 to 18,000 newborns. Doctors are encouraged by Solano's progress and his chances of survival.

Symptoms and Inheritance

Symptoms of hydranencephaly in infants include difficulty feeding, tremors or seizures, and spasticity in the limbs. It is usually inherited from both parents, who themselves do not have the condition. One possible cause is a blockage of blood vessels in the uterus during pregnancy.

A Rare Case

Medical literature describes one case of a patient living with hydranencephaly until the age of 32. Justine has found strength in these stories, giving her hope that her son can defy the odds and become another teenager who lives with this rare condition.