Underweight baby shows remarkable recovery
2 min read
Mysuru: The arrival of a premature baby can be a challenging experience for families. Still, thanks to the skilled team at Manipal Hospital Mysuru, many of these tiny fighters are given a fighting chance.
The hospital has made significant strides in neonatal care, greatly improving survival rates for extremely premature infants.
Sandhya (name changed), pregnant at 25 weeks and 3 days, was travelling to Wayanad, although no prior complications were reported with her pregnancy, she experienced pre-term labor and was rushed to Manipal Hospital Mysuru, where she delivered a baby girl, weighing only 800 grams. She delivered on June 22, 2024, and the baby faced several health issues, including: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) – a condition seen due to underdevelopment of the lungs at 25 weeks of gestation and significant deficiency in surfactant—a substance that helps keep the air sacs in the lungs open. Hence, the lungs cannot expand properly, leading to difficulty breathing, low oxygen levels, and increased effort to breathe.
Complications due to low birth weight such as thermoregulation issues (failure to maintain body temperature due to insufficient body fat and muscle mass), increased risk of infection, feeding difficulties, and increased risk of brain-related complications, such as intraventricular hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) and long-term developmental delays, Immature Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) Axis later added to the complications of the baby, leading to hypoglycaemia and later electrolyte imbalance which was managed with the expertise of the endocrinologist.
Under the expert guidance of Dr Anil Kumar Y C, Consultant – Paediatrics, Manipal Hospital Mysuru, and a dedicated medical team, this baby received round-the-clock care tailored to her needs.
The hospital utilised advanced technology and careful monitoring to support her breathing and nutrition. Gradually, the team introduced feeding methods that helped her gain strength, even when she experienced initial feeding difficulties.
The baby was extensively cared for and continuously monitored in the NICU until she showed remarkable recovery and was deemed fit to be discharged.
Commenting on the baby’s recovery journey, Dr Anil Kumar stated, “Throughout her stay, the baby underwent regular check-ups, including ultrasounds and blood tests, allowing the doctors to make timely decisions. By the time she reached Day 65 of life, she had gained weight and was ready to go home, weighing 1,330 grams.”
After a long and fruitful battle of over 65 days, the baby was sent home, with post-discharge comprehensive care instructions to the parents, including guidance on kangaroo mother care and early stimulation techniques to support their baby’s growth at home.
This success story highlights the exceptional neonatal care provided at Manipal Hospital Mysuru. The hospital equipped with modern facilities and a team of professionals is dedicated to helping premature babies thrive.
Dr. Anil Kumar Y.C, ( In pic above) Consultant – Paediatrics, Manipal Hospital Mysuru
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