A 67-Day Fight for Life: From 1.070 kg to Healthy
A remarkable case at Shalinitai Meghe Mother & Child Hospital, an exclusive 300 bedded maternal & child care hospital wing of Shalinitai Meghe Hospital and Research Centre (SMHRC), Wanadongri, showcases the exceptional care provided by the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) team.
A male baby born preterm faced critical challenges after being delivered prematurely at 29-30 weeks of gestation. The baby, weighing just 1.070 kg, was categorized as extremely premature with a very low birth weight and presented with severe respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis. The baby was admitted under the Paediatrics Department in NICU. Since baby was born before 32 weeks (Minimum time/viability age for maturation of foetal lungs). The baby required intensive medical interventions, including the administration of surfactant (a lipid and protein layer inside lungs, that prevents collapse of lungs), 13 days of mechanical ventilatory support and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Overcoming these life-threatening conditions demanded expert care and precise treatment strategies.
After few days, Baby was successfully weaned of ventilator and started on bubble CPAP. Oro gastric feedings were gradually increased on daily basis to achieve full feed. CPAP settings were titrated to lowest setting and the baby was weaned off from bubble CPAP. During the course of treatment, Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) screening revealed signs of retinopathy, a condition commonly associated with premature infants. The baby underwent timely laser therapy, which proved effective. Strict INFECTION PROTOCOLS were diligently followed during the whole stay.
Following a prolonged stay of 67 days in the NICU, the baby was discharged in a stable condition, weighing 1.830 kg, and neurologically intact. This outcome was made possible due to the dedicated efforts of the NICU team led by Dr. C.M.Bokade, HOD- Paediatrics along with Dr. Kush Jhunjhunwala, Dr. Heena Bhandekar, Dr. Pooja Nagrale, Dr. Ashwini Lakra, and Dr. Manish Reddy (JR)). The exceptional nursing care provided by Sister Zeba and Sister Priti under supervision of Sr. Sushma Sen played a crucial role in the baby’s recovery.
Parents of the baby thanked TEAM Paediatrics and Shalinitai Meghe Hospital & Research centre for the successful outcome and saving the life of their baby.
Dr. C.M. Bokade, Head of the Paediatrics Department, expressed that, “This case highlights the dedication and teamwork of our NICU staff in managing high-risk premature infants. The survival and recovery of this baby, despite severe respiratory distress and other complications, reflect the advanced care protocols and meticulous monitoring in place at SMHRC. Our focus on timely interventions, such as surfactant therapy, ventilatory support, and ROP screening, has ensured the baby’s neurological and overall well-being. We are proud to witness such outcomes and remain committed to providing the best possible care for our youngest and most fragile patients.”
Adding to this, Dr. Anup Marar, Director of SMHRC, remarked, “The successful recovery of this extremely premature baby underscores the state-of-the-art facilities and clinical excellence at SMHRC. Our NICU team, under the capable leadership of Dr. C.M. Bokade, has once again demonstrated its expertise in handling complex neonatal cases. Such outcomes are a testament to the hospital’s commitment to providing comprehensive, compassionate, and quality care. This case not only brings hope to the family but also motivates us to continually strive for excellence in neonatal healthcare. This milestone reinforces SMHRC’s commitment to delivering world-class healthcare to its patients.
Dr. Richa Sharma, Administrator of SMMCH, conveyed the launch of a dedicated Outborn NICU , specifically designed for newborns delivered outside the hospital and requiring specialized NICU care. Traditionally, hospitals admit only inborn newborns—those delivered within the facility. However, SMMCH has set itself apart by establishing two distinct NICUs: one for inborn and another for outborn newborns along with the added facility of a state of art Milk Bank. This initiative is a significant relief for parents often struggling to secure NICU admissions for babies born in other gynecology nursing homes. Obstetricians have widely appreciated this progressive step by SMMCH, acknowledging the critical support it provides for outborn newborns in need.