In a testament to medical expertise and advanced neonatal care, a premature baby born at just 28 weeks of gestation and weighing only 760 grams has made a remarkable recovery at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, Jubilee Hills. The baby, who faced life-threatening complications, was discharged in good health, coinciding with World Prematurity Day.
A High-Risk Beginning
Born to Raja Mohan Reddy and Kavitha, the baby was transferred to Apollo Cradle’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on August 31, 2024, using the hospital’s specialized emergency transport service. The mobile neonatal care unit, equipped with transport incubators and ventilators, ensured the baby’s stabilization during transit.
At admission, the baby, classified as an Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) infant, encountered immediate challenges. By the third day, an X-ray revealed a life-threatening intestinal perforation, requiring urgent intervention.
A Journey of Resilience
- Initial Procedure: A peritoneal drain was placed to stabilize the infant’s condition, but worsening abdominal distension necessitated emergency surgery.
- Surgical Intervention: During a laparotomy, doctors discovered and repaired a large gastric wall perforation. A feeding jejunostomy was inserted, allowing nutrition directly through the small intestine as the baby gradually tolerated feeding.
- Ongoing Care: Throughout the baby’s two-month NICU stay, the medical team closely monitored and managed critical issues, including abdominal distension and nutritional needs, ensuring the infant’s steady progress.
A Successful Outcome
The baby was discharged after two months, weighing 1.56 kg, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the hospital’s multidisciplinary team. The Pediatric Surgery team, led by Dr. Lalatendu Kumar, Anesthetist Dr. Vishwanath, NICU specialists Dr. Krishna Swaroop Reddy, Dr. K Raja Subba Reddy, and Dr. P Shiva Kumar Reddy, along with dedicated nursing and paramedical staff, were instrumental in this life-saving effort.
Expert Insights
Dr. Lalatendu Kumar, Pediatric Surgery expert, shared, “This case reflects the complexity and dedication required to manage critically premature infants. Repairing the baby’s stomach perforation and ensuring nutrition through a feeding tube were challenging yet crucial steps in saving the baby’s life. It’s also a testament to the baby’s incredible will to survive.”
Dr. Krishna Swaroop Reddy, Senior Neonatologist, emphasized the role of Apollo Cradle’s state-of-the-art NICU: “Our eNICU monitors every detail, from medications to feeding patterns, ensuring optimal outcomes. This advanced unit is equipped to handle even the smallest and most fragile babies, offering world-class care.”