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Sextuplets Upgraded, Get Closer To Going Home

All Children's Hospital photo from Sept. 13, 2007.

Karoline and Jackson Byler.

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By STEVE KORNACKI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 4, 2007

Updated: 10/04/2007 04:45 pm

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ST. PETERSBURG - The Byler sextuplets are taking baby steps toward home.

Brady Christopher, Eli Benjamin, Ryan Patrick, Jackson Robert and Mackenzie Margaret were upgraded Thursday from fair to stable condition at All Children's Hospital. Charlie Craig remained in fair condition.

The five boys and one girl were born Sept. 1 at Bayfront Medical Center to Karoline and Ben Byler of Wesley Chapel. They were transferred immediately next door to All Children's Hospital.

"Sextuplets are so rare that we don't have a lot to compare them with," said neonatologist Fauzia Shakeel, who is tending to Mackenzie, Charlie and Jackson. "But comparing them to other premature babies, they are doing very well."

They are the first surviving sextuplets born in Florida and the 14th in the United States.

Jackson earlier this week was upgraded from serious to fair condition after overcoming pneumonia, improving his breathing and being taken off a ventilator. He has progressed well, and moved out of an incubator and into a crib today. Jackson is the heaviest at 4 pounds, having gained 1 pound and 6 ounces since birth.

Mackenzie also is in a crib, while the other four are transitioning from incubators.

"They are all off IV fluids and are taking full feedings now," said neonatologist Carine Stromquist, who is caring for Brady, Eli and Ryan.

She said the babies each must reach 4 pounds, take every feeding by mouth, maintain a stable body temperature and have stable respiratory functions before leaving the hospital.

Mackenzie likely will be the first to join their 4-year-old sister, Zoe, in Wesley Chapel.

"In a few weeks, I think she will be able to go home," Shakeel said. She weighs 3 pounds and 6 ounces, having gained 13 ounces since birth.

"She is taking all her feeds, and did a direct breast feeding from her mother [Wednesday] for the first time."

Shakeel said Charlie likely will be upgraded to stable soon. He was sedated for an MRI, a routine diagnostic exam, which necessitated him being placed on a ventilator.

"It is very challenging having them," Shakeel said, "but very rewarding as well."

Reporter Steve Kornacki can be reached at (813) 731-8170 or skornacki@tampatrib.com.

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