Key Takeaways:
Antonella DeBartoli overcame lupus, kidney failure, a transplant and a high-risk pregnancy to safely welcome son, Luciano.
- Diagnosis: Antonella DeBartoli suffered from several conditions that made pregnancy seem impossible.
- Treatment: A kidney transplant from her mother and specialized care at Hackensack University Medical Center helped her start a family.
- Get Care: Thinking of starting a family? Consult a maternity specialist: Book online | 800-822-8905
Medically reviewed by Michael Goldstein, M.D., Transplant Surgeon, Hackensack University Medical Center.
Antonella DeBartoli and her husband, Angelo, spent years waiting for their son, Luciano.
Before Luciano was born, Antonella managed severe lupus, underwent a kidney transplant and navigated a high-risk pregnancy. She credits the support of her husband and the care she received at Hackensack Meridian Health for helping her build her family.
Overcoming Lupus and Kidney Failure
Antonella’s health issues began when she was 17-years-old. She suddenly lost feeling in her body and experienced severe pain at the slightest touch. Doctors diagnosed her with lupus, an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks its own tissues and organs.
To manage her symptoms, she took high doses of prednisone. In 2012, her kidney function began to decline. By 2018, the lupus attacked her kidneys entirely, causing them to fail.
Antonella started dialysis. Three days a week, she spent three hours hooked up to a machine. Over time, her treatments became even more frequent. The years of high-dose steroids also damaged her hips.
By her third year of dialysis, Antonella’s blood pressure spiked, leading to a seizure and a two-week stay in the hospital in a medically induced coma. Through every hospital stay, Angelo stayed by her side to advocate for her care.
During a visit to her in-laws in New Jersey, a nurse at her dialysis center suggested she explore a kidney transplant at Hackensack University Medical Center.
A Kidney Transplant from Her Mother
Antonella’s mother was tested and found to be a compatible match for donation.
On December 13, 2021, Antonella underwent a kidney transplant with transplant surgeon Michael Goldstein, M.D.
“Antonella’s surgery went exceptionally well, and the kidney from her mother began working almost immediately,” says Dr. Goldstein. “This transplant provided the strong, stable foundation required for her to eventually carry a child.”
Right after surgery, Antonella’s body was functioning normally again. Today, she is on the lowest amount of medication she has ever taken.
“It was like night and day,” Antonella says. “To go from spending hours hooked up to a machine to having my energy back and taking the lowest amount of medication I’ve ever been on is a true miracle. My mother didn't just give me a kidney; she gave me my life back.”
Preparing for Pregnancy
With her new kidney working well, the family wanted to try having a baby.
First, Antonella needed to address the joint damage caused by years of steroids. On May 13, orthopedic surgeon Gregg Klein, M.D., performed a successful hip replacement at Hackensack University Medical Center.
Following the surgery, Antonella and Angelo began planning for a baby. Under the guidance of her doctors, Antonella spent six months safely transitioning to anti-rejection medications that are safe for pregnancy. After experiencing two miscarriages, they successfully conceived.
Navigating a High-Risk Delivery
Even though they live in Brooklyn, Antonella and Angelo traveled to New Jersey for all of her prenatal care. Due to her complicated medical history, Antonella’s pregnancy was high-risk. Her care was co-managed by OB-GYN Kanchi Chadha, M.D. and maternal-fetal medicine specialist Elizabeth Cochrane, M.D.
When it was time to deliver, Antonella was induced early. After two days of labor, her care team determined an emergency C-section was necessary.
To safely deliver Luciano while protecting Antonella’s newly transplanted kidney, meticulous planning, careful coordination, and close collaboration between maternal-fetal medicine, obstetrics and the renal transplant team was essential. This multidisciplinary approach allowed the team to carefully balance the complex needs of both mother and baby while prioritizing their health and safety.
Looking Ahead
Today, Antonella is recovering from the delivery and getting stronger every day.
“Never give up hope, even when the odds seem stacked against you,” Antonella advises. “There were so many times when my body was failing and a baby felt like an impossible dream. You have to be your own biggest advocate, lean on your support system and find a medical team you completely trust. Take it one day and one procedure at a time—miracles really can happen.”
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our sources: Michael Goldstein, M.D., Gregg Klein, M.D., Kanchi Chadha, M.D., Elizabeth Cochrane, M.D.
- Learn more about transplant services and maternity care at Hackensack Meridian Health.
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