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Michaela MillerAustralian girl with aplasia cutis
Country:
 Australia |
Content:
- Biography of Mikaela Miller
- A Unique Condition
- A Challenging Journey
- A Rare Diagnosis
- A Brave Fighter
- About Cutis Aplasia
Biography of Mikaela Miller
Mikaela Miller is an Australian girl who was born with cutis aplasia, a condition where certain areas of the skin, and sometimes underlying tissues, are missing at birth. She was born with a hole in her skull the size of an avocado, leaving part of her brain exposed and vulnerable to external factors. Mikaela, now nine months old, was immediately taken to a specialized medical unit after her parents, 27-year-old Kristy and 26-year-old Keith, noticed that her skull did not form properly soon after her birth on Christmas last year.
A Unique Condition
Doctors placed a bandage on Mikaela's head and closely monitored her progress. She underwent three surgeries to close the hole in her skull, but there is still a golf ball-sized opening beneath her skin. To protect her head from physical impact and potential bacterial infections, which could be fatal in her case, Mikaela has to wear a helmet throughout the day. Keith, her father from Melbourne, Australia, described the initial shock and fear he felt when he saw his daughter's exposed brain through the hole in her skull.
A Challenging Journey
Mikaela's birth was complicated and lasted for two hours, resulting in a much-anticipated baby girl weighing 2.7 kg. However, concerned doctors quickly took the newborn to a specialized unit, preventing her parents from taking any photographs. Three hours later, Mikaela was transferred to the intensive care unit in an ambulance, while her parents were unable to accompany her. Keith recalls the overwhelming fear and uncertainty that consumed him and Kristy during this time.
A Rare Diagnosis
Doctors diagnosed Mikaela with cutis aplasia and an open skull defect. Her parents learned that this condition is rare, occurring in approximately one in 10,000 newborns worldwide. Due to the size of the hole in Mikaela's head, her case is considered unique. Although MRI scans did not reveal any other health issues, the hole could have easily led to a life-threatening infection. Just 22 hours after her birth, Mikaela underwent her first three-hour skin graft surgery using skin from her back to cover the exposed area on her head. However, only 60% of the graft successfully attached, leading to another surgery on New Year's Eve in 2015. The third operation took place in February, successfully closing nearly all of the vulnerable part of her skull.
A Brave Fighter
Mikaela spent three and a half months in the hospital, including 10 weeks in the intensive care unit. Keith expressed his relief when they were finally allowed to bring their daughter home, as their time in the hospital felt like an eternity. He describes Mikaela as their perfection, a happy and joyful child. Although the hole in her skull still remains, measuring approximately two by three centimeters, equivalent to the size of a golf ball, her condition continues to improve. Doctors have stated that if the hole does not close by the time she turns two, they will need to perform another surgery. Mikaela continues to wear a protective helmet throughout the day.
About Cutis Aplasia
Cutis aplasia is a congenital condition where a certain area of the skin, typically on the head, is absent. In some cases, underlying tissues, including bone, may also be missing. The size of the missing skin can range from a few millimeters to ten centimeters. In severe cases, the exposed brain tissue may be affected. Cutis aplasia can be accompanied by other problems, and doctors must thoroughly examine the affected child to determine the necessary course of action. The exact cause of cutis aplasia during pregnancy is still uncertain. If the missing skin area is small, it usually heals within a few months. It is important to keep the exposed area clean and protected from infection by gently cleansing it and occasionally applying specialized ointments.
