In a heartwarming medical success story, a 680-gram preterm baby born at just 26 weeks of pregnancy, faced with respiratory distress syndrome and gastrointestinal infection, has been given a new lease on life at Manipal Hospital, Kharadi. The baby’s journey is a testament to the remarkable efforts of the medical team and the power of modern healthcare.
The mother, a 30-year-old patient, had a challenging pregnancy marked by severe doppler changes that led to a reversal of diastolic flow and dangerously low amniotic fluid levels. In such critical circumstances, where the baby’s life was at risk, the obstetric team made the crucial decision to perform a Lower Segment Cesarean Section (LSCS) to ensure the baby’s survival.
Following birth, the infant grappled with respiratory distress syndrome, requiring two days of ventilation to stabilize the condition. Additionally, two doses of surfactant were administered to address lung immaturity. The baby depended on respiratory support through Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) for an entire month. The medical team also successfully managed a significant heart defect known as patent ductus arteriosus with appropriate medical treatment.
One of the remarkable aspects of this story is the baby’s extremely low birth weight, which presented a unique set of challenges. In the second week of life, the infant experienced feed intolerance due to gastrointestinal infections, specifically Stage II Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). However, the medical team successfully treated the infection, and the baby ultimately achieved full feeds. What’s even more astounding is that, despite being an extremely low birth weight baby, the infant did not develop brain hemorrhage (Intraventricular Hemorrhage – IVH), eye damage (Retinopathy of Prematurity – ROP), or oxygen dependency (Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia – BPD).
Dr. Geetanjali Ingaale, Consultant in Paediatrics at Manipal Hospital Kharadi, shared her insights on the case, stating, “After seventy-three days of intensive medical care and continuous monitoring, the baby showed gradual improvement. The baby’s condition was stabilized, and the risk of complications was significantly reduced. The baby’s lung health improved, and the infection was successfully treated. The baby responded well to the treatment, and her weight increased to 1500 grams.”
