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SAN ANTONIO – Doctors are working to establish a diagnosis and care plan for a baby who has spent the first three months of life in hospital after being born skinless.
Ja'bari Gray has been hospitalized since January 1 at the San Antonio Methodist Hospital, San Antonio Express-News reported. Most of his skin was missing, with the exception of his head, he was initially diagnosed with aplasia, a rare conbad absence of skin.
After being transferred to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston Friday, specialists diagnosed him with epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic connective tissue disorder that makes skin extremely fragile and prone to blisters and tears, even in mildly fric- trauma.
Ja'bari now has skin on his head and some on his legs but not on his arms or on his chest. He is therefore treated with frequent dressing changes and ointments to prevent infection, said his mother, Priscilla Maldonado.
"They are really focused on maintaining their comfort right now," she said.
She stated that she and her husband, Marvin Gray, were undergoing genetic testing to confirm the diagnosis because the condition was hereditary.
"It could take two to three weeks before they have an answer. They do not want to treat my son for the wrong thing, "said Maldonado.
She and Gray have two other children, ages 5 and 6, who stay at Maldonado's mother's house while the couple watches over their baby.
"I was able to hold it twice, but you have to wear a dress and wear gloves. It's not skin-to-skin, it's not the same thing, "Maldonado said.
Doctors plan to perform surgery to cut the scar tissue that fuses Ja'bari's chin to the chest. His eyes have been fused since birth. According to Maldonado, Medicaid takes care of part of the child's medical expenses. The family receives help from Taco Cabana, which employs both parents. A GoFundMe account has also been created.
Maldonado said the doctors did not specify how long Ja'bari should stay in the hospital.
"Even if he succeeds, we do not know what the future holds," said the mother. "We only pray every day. Every day is a blessing. "
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