A team of expert obstetricians and neonatologists at a Mumbai hospital have achieved a remarkable milestone by saving the life of a micro-preemie born at just 23 weeks of gestation, weighing over 600 grams. After spending more than 100 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the baby was discharged in good health, weighing 2.2 kg. The team including Dr. Pratima Thamke, consultant- Obstetrics, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, Dr. Anish Pillai, lead consultant- Neonatology & Pediatrics, Dr. Sanju Sidaraddi and Dr. Amit Ghawade, Consultant- Neonatology and Pediatrics, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar along with their team of NICU junior consultants, staff and nurses helped carry out the successful delivery. The journey started with Neha (name changed), a 37-year-old first-time mother, who experienced mild spotting during her first trimester. With rest and proper care, her pregnancy stabilised. At 22 weeks, the mother started experiencing heaviness in her lower abdomen along with unusual discharge. Tests showed that her cervix (the opening of the uterus) had shortened to 2.8 cm, with signs of opening, which increased the risk of preterm labour. To prevent this, doctors performed a cervical cerclage (a procedure where the cervix is stitched to keep it closed) and advised strict bed rest with medication to control contractions. Things took a turn at 23 weeks when Neha developed a urinary tract infection, pain, and discharge. Despite treatment and injections to help the baby’s lungs develop, her condition worsened. After five days, Neha experienced heavy bleeding, and doctors found that the stitches had cut through her cervix, which had started to open. After a detailed discussion with Neha and her family, the doctors decided to proceed with an emergency cesarean delivery (C-section), understanding the high risks of preterm birth, including the chance of losing the baby. At just 23 weeks and 5 days, Neha delivered a baby boy weighing 680 grams. Babies born this early, before 24 weeks, have a very low chance of survival as their organs like the lungs, brain, and immune system are still very underdeveloped. “This case highlights the critical importance of early intervention and continuous monitoring during high-risk pregnancies,” said Dr. Pratima Thamke, Consultant Obstetrician, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, continuing, “From addressing Neha’s complications during her first trimester to managing the challenges of extreme prematurity, this journey underscores the need for vigilant care and tailored medical solutions. It is immensely fulfilling to witness a positive outcome for both mother and baby, reaffirming our commitment to providing exceptional care at Motherhood Hospitals.” Dr Anish Pillai, Lead Consultant Neonatology and Pediatrics, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, said, “The internal organs like lungs, digestive system, brain, and immune system are extremely immature before 24 weeks gestation. Caring for these babies during the initial few weeks is very challenging. The best neonatal units across the globe report a survival rate of 30-40 per cent for infants born at 23 weeks gestation." Given the high risk, the medical team's prompt response became crucial. Neha delivered a baby boy weighing only 680 grams, who was immediately placed in the incubator under the specialised care of the Motherhood neonatal team led by Dr. Pillai. The baby faces multiple complications associated with extreme prematurity, including respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), anemia of prematurity, chronic lung disease, and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). These conditions were effectively treated with medications and timely therapy. Additionally, a minor intraventricular hemorrhage was detected on the first brain ultrasound scan, which resolved over time. Throughout his NICU stay, the baby’s care included continuous skin-to-skin contact (Kangaroo Mother Care) and exclusive human milk support. When maternal milk was insufficient, pasteurized donor human milk was provided to ensure optimal nutrition during the critical early days. “Every day in the NICU was a testament to the strength of this little fighter and the unwavering belief of his parents,” said Dr. Pillai. “Together, we overcame unprecedented challenges, showcasing the power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Over the course of three months, the baby’s condition steadily improved. Despite an initial weight drop to under 600 grams, he began to thrive after crossing the 1 kg milestone. By the time of discharge, the baby weighed 2.26 kg, with normal results in brain ultrasound, hearing tests, and neurological assessments. He is now feeding well, gaining weight, and achieving age-appropriate milestones” Avinash (name changed), who is the father of the baby said, “The love and affection we received from the entire Motherhood team was truly heartwarming. We never felt like patients; instead, our time here felt like being with family. We are deeply grateful to all the experts, because of whom our baby boy is now thriving, even after facing numerous challenges. The dedication and care extended by the staff was remarkable—many who were off duty still came regularly to check on our baby, showing genuine concern and love that went far beyond their professional responsibilities." The NICU team highlighted the importance of regular follow-ups to monitor the baby’s growth and development. This extraordinary case exemplifies the challenges of managing extreme prematurely and underscores the significance of specialised neonatal care. It serves as a beacon of hope for families navigating similar circumstances.
26 December,2024 03:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentChristmas is a time to come together, extending love, care, and warmth to everyone. Carrying forward its legacy of giving back to society, Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital in Bandra organised a Christmas celebration for children from rural ashram schools in the Palghar district, and those who have undergone cochlear implant surgeries. Over 300 children from rural ashram schools and over 100 cochlear implant recipients, and admitted children were part of the joyous occasion filled with fun activities, dance, exciting gifts, and scrumptious snacks. The occasion was also graced by the board of trustees along with the management team who gave their blessings to the children and wished them a brighter future filled with hope and positivity. The hospital hosted a grand Christmas celebration for children with activities such as a magic show, dancing, and a photography session. Santa Claus made a special appearance, spreading cheer and creating unforgettable memories for the children. Over 300 children traveled to Mumbai for the first time. For many, the journey to the bustling city and its towering buildings was a mix of excitement and nervousness. However, the engaging activities organized at the hospital created a warm and welcoming environment, helping the children unwind. Their faces lit up with joy as they embraced the experience, making the celebration truly memorable for everyone involved. Prashant Mehta, permanent trustee, Lilavati Hospital said, “This Christmas celebration will foster a sense of community and joy among these children. At Lilavati Hospital, we go beyond healthcare to create a holistic environment where every child feels supported, loved, and empowered. The celebrations were held under the thoughtful guidance of Smt. Charu Mehta, Founder and Permanent Trustee. We hope to build confidence in children, nurture their dreams, and equip them to face life’s challenges with courage." Rajiv Mehta, a permanent trustee and the hospital, added, "The Christmas celebration is not just about the festivities but aims to uplift marginalised sections of society. By combining healthcare excellence with community-based campaigns and initiatives, the hospital is out and out to make a difference in the lives of countless individuals." “This event is a reminder that every child deserves an equal chance to thrive, and we are honoured to play a part in making that a reality. Such initiatives are designed to lay a strong foundation for a brighter and inclusive future for everyone. We strive further to launch crucial path-breaking initiatives for improving the quality of life of those in need,” highlighted Mohit Mathur, another permanent trustee at the hospital. "We were elated to welcome children from rural ashram schools who visited Mumbai for the very first time. The opportunity to host them at Lilavati Hospital allowed us to create an environment where they felt comfortable and cherished. It was a privilege to be a part of their journey and to give them an experience that brought so much positivity and warmth into their lives,” concluded Dr Niraj Uttamani, chief operating officer at the Bandra hospital.
26 December,2024 02:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai doctors have successfully treated Renu (name changed) to restore her jaw function after conducting a complex surgical procedure. The 36-year-old was suffering after experiencing excruciating pain and discomfort for six months due to Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ), a disorder of the hinge-like joint connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. This limited her ability to open her mouth only as wide as the slender gap of a single finger, making it difficult for her to talk and eat. As her daily life took a big toll, Renu decided to consult Dr Tofiq Bohra, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, S. L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim - A Fortis Associate, who diagnosed her with Synovial Chondromatosis, a rare and benign condition in which bone tumors affect the joints, and counselled her to undergo surgery to help restore proper jaw function. After which, she can now open her mouth wide enough to eat and to sneak in a laugh every now & then at her children’s antics and experience the joy of unbridled laughter. “Renu would not take a day off from household chores when she was in pain and even when we begged her to rest. She started experiencing pain on the left side of her jaw in July this year, we took her to a local doctor who put her on a course of painkillers. However, the medicine stopped working after a few months and the pain spread to her left shoulder & arm, that is when we decided to take her to a specialist for better evaluation,” recalled her husband Jatin (name changed). Usually, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is often prescribed when a patient with a joint issue consults an orthopedic specialist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The MRI is mainly used to assess bone density and detect any inflammatory fluid within the joint. In the scans, inflammation appears as a white band, which is typically interpreted as a sign of inflammatory fluid in the joint. The challenge with Renu’s case was that every time she underwent an MRI, the results indicated a simple joint inflammation. However, the medical team at the hospital, led by Dr Bohra, had prior experience and they were able to diagnose that it was not a simple case of joint inflammation, but rather a complex case of TMJ and she needed surgery. Talking about the case, Dr Bohra said, “Synovial Chondromatosis is a rare condition. Before Renu came to me, I treated only one patient with a similar condition. Even though the MRI pointed towards inflammation, we recommended a combination of open joint surgery and Arthroscopy (minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose & treat joint problems), instead of proceeding with more conservative treatments like a simple Arthroscopy. Open jaw surgery helped us access the affected joint through an incision near the impacted temporomandibular joint. This decision was based on my experience with a similar case, where Arthroscopy alone didn’t fully address the underlying issues.” Dr Bohra added, “On November 25, we performed an open joint surgery on the left side, while on the right side, a more advanced level 3 TMJ Arthroscopy was done. Arthroscopy being a minimally invasive procedure involves small incisions, which means less tissue damage, a shorter recovery time, and a lower risk of complications. This approach allowed us to address displaced disks and flush the joint. During the surgery, we found cartilage (a connective tissue which connects the joint) in the joint, which was an unexpected complication. The joint was difficult to open due to the presence of this cartilage, and we had to remove it carefully before flushing the joint & closing it.” Immediately after surgery, Renu was able to open her mouth wide enough to fit in three fingers, much to the relief of her family members, who remember her grit and resilience during this harrowing ordeal. Renu is currently on a liquid diet and is diligently adhering to her post-surgery precautions, which include oral physiotherapy. Her recovery is being carefully monitored, with a detailed diet and care routine to guide her healing process. Though she remains on her liquid regimen for now, she and her family are eagerly anticipating the day when she can once again enjoy solid food.
26 December,2024 01:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentConsumption of coffee and tea can lower the risks of developing head and neck cancer, including cancers of the mouth and throat, claimed a study on Monday. Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common cancer worldwide, and rates are rising in low- and middle-income countries. The findings, based on an analysis of data from 14 studies, showed that compared with non-coffee-drinkers, individuals who drank more than 4 cups of caffeinated coffee daily had 17 per cent lower odds of having head and neck cancer overall. It also led to a 30 per cent lower risk of having cancer of the oral cavity, and 22 per cent lower odds of having throat cancer. Drinking 3-4 cups of caffeinated coffee was linked with a 41 per cent lower risk of having hypopharyngeal cancer -- a type of cancer at the bottom of the throat), revealed the study published in the peer-reviewed CANCER journal. “While there has been prior research on coffee and tea consumption and reduced risk of cancer, this study highlighted their varying effects with different sub-sites of head and neck cancer, including the observation that even decaffeinated coffee had some positive impact,” said senior author Yuan-Chin Amy Lee, from Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah School of Medicine. “Coffee and tea habits are fairly complex, and these findings support the need for more data and further studies around the impact that coffee and tea can have on reducing cancer risk.” The team examined data from 14 studies by different scientists and pooled information on 9,548 patients with head and neck cancer. They were then compared with 15,783 controls without cancer. Study participants completed questionnaires about their prior consumption of caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea in cups per day/week/month/year. Notably, the researchers found that drinking decaffeinated coffee was associated with 25 per cent lower odds of oral cavity cancer. Drinking tea was linked with 29 per cent lower odds of hypopharyngeal cancer. Also, drinking one cup or less of tea daily was linked with a 9 per cent lower risk of head and neck cancer overall and a 27 per cent lower risk of hypopharyngeal cancer, but drinking more than one cup was associated with 38 per cent higher odds of laryngeal cancer. Also Read: Lung cancer rising among non-smokers in India; doctors raise concern This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 December,2024 09:06 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSAs the winter season begins, there is an alarming rise in cases of cold, flu, and constipation. Unfortunately, cold weather, absence of exercise, dehydration due to the lack of hydration, and changes in diet are the driving factors behind surging cold, flu, and constipation cases in children aged 8-12. Doctors say parents should take utmost care of their children during winter. Children should eat a well-balanced diet inclusive of all the vital nutrients, avoid processed foods, adhere to good personal hygiene, get a flu vaccination, and stay active by exercising indoors when the weather outside is cold. Timely attention is crucial for managing these illnesses and improving the quality of life of children. The colder winter months not only invite joint or respiratory illness but even cold, flu, and constipation which can be distressing for children. Everyone, including children, may experience health problems during winter which will demand immediate treatment. Dr. Sanju Sidaraddi, consultant - pediatrician and neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai said, “Cases of cold, flu, and constipation are commonly seen in children when the weather outside is cold. Likewise, there is a rise in constipation cases because kids tend to drink less water, eat fewer fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber, and engage in less physical exercise during winter. We are witnessing around 30 cases per week in children aged 8-12. There is a rush of children in Hospitals with complaints of body aches, fatigue due to cold and flu, hard stools, bloating, or inability to pass stools in children." Dr. Sanju Sidaraddi added, ”Children should dress warmly by wearing sweaters, jackets, gloves, and ear muffs, maintain personal hygiene by following cough etiquette, eat a nutritious diet, stay hydrated with water and warm liquids, and engage in regular indoor exercise. Parents should ensure that children don't miss the flu vaccine. Following good hand hygiene, wearing masks, and maintaining social distancing can further help in preventing these viral infections. Constipation can be managed or prevented with a healthy lifestyle, choosing meals high in fiber, excluding junk, processed, canned food. Children should avoid straining while passing stools and take laxatives as advised by the doctor. Parents should be extra cautious when it comes to the child's health by staying in touch with the doctor in case they notice any unusual symptoms."
23 December,2024 06:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThere is a significant rise in respiratory illnesses among children aged 6-13, with viral infections such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). flu, pneumonia, and allergy-related problems affecting both skin and respiration. There has been a notable uptick in asthma exacerbations among children. Most children are coming to the OPD with symptoms such as runny nose, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, body pain, fatigue, cough with phlegm, and sore throat. The prevention strategies include maintaining good personal hygiene, eating a nutritious diet, wearing masks, social distancing, hand sanitizing, and regular check-ups with the doctor. Parents should stay vigilant when it comes to their child’s well-being by following the proper vaccination schedule. The alarming spike in air pollution and smog blanketing Delhi is not just a visible haze, but a silent threat to the children’s health. As particulate matter (pm) toxic gases from vehicle emissions and industrial activities accumulate in the air, there’s a disturbing rise in respiratory illnesses and skin problems among children. Dr Sanjay Wazir, medical director (NCR)- Neonatology and Paediatrics, Motherhood Hospitals, Gurgaon says, “The air pollution and smog engulfing Delhi is wreaking havoc on the child’s health, by raising the risk of respiratory and skin ailments. Viral infections like RSV, influenza, and pneumonia are rampant, manifesting as runny noses, persistent coughs, and fevers in children aged 6-13. Allergy-related issues are skyrocketing, affecting both the skin and respiratory systems. Most concerning is the spikes in asthma exacerbations, leaving children gasping for breath. Children are complaining of decreased appetite, incessant sneezing, body aches, cough with phlegm, fatigue, and sore throats. Skin problems include dry skin, rashes, and allergies that will also require timely intervention. While the recent school closures have slightly decreased the number of cases, we're still treating 2-3 patients daily for these conditions." Dr Sanjay added, “It is essential for parents to follow the treatment plan recommended by the doctor, avoid self-medication, ensure their children practice good hygiene, maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins, and get adequate sleep. Likewise, regular hand washing, wearing masks in crowded places, and keeping children home when they show symptoms are crucial preventive measures. Moreover, children should avoid crowded places, and being around sick people. Parents should stick to the vaccination schedule by giving the child pneumococcal and influenza vaccines and opt for air purifiers at home to help children breathe freely. Those children with pre-existing asthma should keep the medication and inhaler handy. In case of skin problems, it is essential to use doctor-approved products. Children should stay indoors when the air quality outside is poor.”
23 December,2024 02:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHealthcare workers can enable early detection of autism by identifying red flags specific to autism during routine immunisation, said a paediatric neurologist at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Taking to social media platform X, Dr. Sheffali Gulati, Professor and faculty-in-charge at the Child Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS Delhi, explained what autism is and how it can be identified early. “Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by social deficits and qualitative impairment in communication, along with some fixed interests and behaviour,” Gulati said. She noted that the condition comes with “some fixed patterns of interest, and there may be sensory issues within them”. She explained how to identify autism in a baby within 2 years. “If a 6-month-old baby is not responding to his/her name or has not started babbling till one year; if he/she is not speaking words at 16 months; is not speaking two words at 24 months; or has forgotten some vocabulary, then autism may be suspected in him/her,” Gulati said. “It is important for us to look at all the development milestones, along with the red flags specific to autism, whenever children come for immunisation,” Gulati said, emphasising the importance of early intervention in disorder. She further noted that behavioural therapy comprised the major part of early intervention along with some medications “which can help their development to become better in future”. She also called on people to accept the diversity brought about by the children with autism and to begin acceptance right home. “We have to keep in mind that these children with autism are different from the rest. Everyone has different diversity which has to be accepted. And when we talk about inclusion in society, it should begin from home, then in school and society”. The children with autism “have the same right to a dignified life as anyone else”, said Gulati, while urging people “to move forward with a humanistic approach”. A recent study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal, showed that autism is a significant health burden in India. The study, based on the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021, showed that India had 708·1 case of ASD per 100, 000 persons in 2021. Of these, 483·7 were females, while 921·4 were males. About 140 per 100,000 persons suffered poor health and disability due to ASD in India in 2021. Globally, an estimated 61.8 million people, or one in every 127 persons were autistic in 2021. Also Read: Mentally stimulating activities during down time linked to better brain health: Study This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 December,2024 11:12 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSSpiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's event 'World Meditates with Gurudev' has broken various records and bagged a place in the Guinness World Records, the Asia Book of Records and the World Records Union. This monumental event, organised by the Art of Living Foundation, brought together millions from across the globe, setting a new benchmark for collective meditation. The official release from the 'Art of Living' stated, "The first World Meditation Day marked an unparalleled celebration of unity and inner peace. With participants tuning in from over 180 countries, the event showcased the transformative power of meditation as a global movement." Starting with the inaugural event at the United Nations and culminating in a live session led by Gurudev from atop the World Trade Center (New York), the day witnessed a wave of meditation sweeping across continents. Also Read: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to deliver keynote address at UN on first World Meditation Day The list of records broken included the 'Guinness World Record' for most viewers of a guided meditation live stream on YouTube. Asia Book of Records for maximum participation from all the states of India in 'Guided Meditation' in a day and maximum nationalities participated in Guided Meditation in a day. World Records Union for creating the record for the most views for an online guided meditation in 24 hours on YouTube and the record for the most live viewers of a guided meditation session on YouTube. It also marked the record for the most nationalities participating in an online meditation session. The meditation session was streamed live, with millions joining virtually and even physically in large groups to meditate for global peace and harmony. Before leading everyone into meditation, he said: "Meditation is the journey from movement to stillness. To meditate you need to first go from too much thinking to feeling what is. And then go beyond the feeling towards the inner space. If you want to be sane, sensitive and sensible, you need to meditate. Meditation is not inactivity. It makes you more dynamic and peaceful. Even to be a revolutionary, you need to meditate." The Art of Living's initiative has been praised by global leaders, celebrities, sportspersons, professionals and people from all walks of life and age groups. The event also garnered significant participation from farmers, educational institutions including those for visually challenged children, corporates, members of the military, health caregivers, researchers and scientists, homemakers, people of indigenous origins and even prisons, demonstrating meditation's universal appeal and impact. The world united in a shared moment of peace and harmony, stated the release. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 December,2024 01:57 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSBrains of people with high glucose levels and inflammation can age faster, increasing their risk of developing dementia, according to a study. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden used an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to analyse brain images from 739 cognitively healthy people aged 70-years to explore the brain’s biological age. They found various risk and health factors that determine the speed at which the brain ages. The study, presented in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, showed that diabetes, stroke, cerebral small vessel disease, and inflammation were linked to brains with an older appearance, On the other hand, healthy lifestyles involving regular exercise were linked to brains with a younger appearance, the study added. The team conducted MRI scans of the participant’s brains and then estimated the age of the resulting brain images using their AI-based algorithm. Further, blood samples were taken for measuring lipids, glucose, and inflammation; and their cognitive abilities were also tested. The AI tool estimated the brain age for both sexes to be on average 71 years. The researchers then looked at the ”brain age gap” by subtracting the participants' estimated biological brain age from their chronological age. “A take-home from the study is that factors that adversely affect the blood vessels can also be related to older-looking brains,” said lead author Anna Marseglia, a researcher at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet. This “shows how important it is to keep your blood vessels healthy, to protect your brain, by making sure, for instance, that your blood glucose level is kept stable,” Marseglia added. The team next aims to launch a study to understand how women and men may differ in how they build resilience. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
21 December,2024 04:54 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSA 52-year-old gentleman, who had been suffering from severe stiffness and difficulty walking for months, has shown a remarkable improvement following treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. After experiencing progressive tightness in his back and legs, the patient found it increasingly difficult to walk more than 200-300 meters without the onset of intense muscle stiffness, which led to him losing his balance and needing to catch hold of nearby walls for support. Initially, the patient’s condition raised concerns for possible spinal canal stenosis and vascular claudication, but after thorough testing, including MRI and Doppler scans, no such conditions were found. With the clear absence of clues in the investigations pertaining to common neurological and vascular issues, a clinical diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) was made. Stiff Person Syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterised by severe stiffness and muscle spasms, particularly in the back, legs, and arms. This condition often goes underdiagnosed, as its symptoms can resemble those of psychological conditions or other neurological diseases. However, in this case, a detailed assessment led to the initiation of IVIG therapy. The results were immediate. Within just one day of receiving the first dose of IVIG, the patient showed significant improvement—reporting a 60% reduction in stiffness. After five days of treatment, the patient was able to walk for 15 minutes without experiencing the tightness and discomfort that had previously hindered his mobility. Dr. Sheetal Goyal, consultant neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, said, “This case exemplifies the importance of clinical acumen in diagnosing rare conditions like Stiff Person Syndrome, which can easily be overlooked. Despite standard tests like MRI and Doppler coming back normal, we took a holistic approach to the patient's symptoms and were able to treat him effectively. The patient’s quick recovery with IVIG therapy highlights the potential for successful outcomes even in rare neurological disorders.” Despite the absence of the typical autoimmune antibodies associated with Stiff Person Syndrome, the patient responded remarkably well to the IVIG treatment. The patient’s quick recovery allowed him to resume his daily activities and return to work earlier than expected. He also expressed his gratitude in a letter, thanking the medical team for their swift diagnosis and treatment. “The case highlights the importance of clinical acumen in diagnosing rare conditions, even when standard tests come back normal,” said Dr. Goyal. "Stiff Person Syndrome is often overlooked or misdiagnosed, and this patient’s rapid improvement is a testament to the effectiveness of IVIG in managing such rare conditions." This case underscores the value of early intervention and the role of personalised treatment in addressing rare neurological disorders. As Stiff Person Syndrome remains a largely unrecognized condition, the healthcare community is encouraged to be vigilant and proactive when diagnosing patients with unexplained muscle stiffness.
21 December,2024 01:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEnvision being thousands of feet above ground seated inside a crowded aircraft when suddenly an in-flight medical emergency occurs. A passenger seated in the aircraft was having trouble breathing and her skin turned pale and strained. Other passengers looked on in concern but did not know how to intervene, Dr. Smita Moitra, consultant and in-charge, Emergency Department, Manipal Hospitals, Broadway in Kolkata took charge of the situation. The incident occurred on a Kolkata-to-Delhi flight on December 6, when a 45-year-old woman from Bikaner started experiencing severe hypertensive heart failure due to a long history of high blood pressure. With the aircraft being mid-air, every second was critical. What followed was a reminder of how fragile life can be, and how human instinct and compassion can come together to make a difference in the face of crisis. The passenger, traveling alone from Kolkata to Delhi, started feeling unwell 15 minutes into the flight. Initially what was just mild discomfort, soon turned into severe shortness of breath, chest pain, and a choking sensation. Her condition appeared to be deteriorating rapidly—she began to sweat profusely, her restlessness intensified, and she could not speak anymore. Her blood pressure rose to life-threatening levels of 240/120 mmHg in moments, where even breathing seemed impossible to her. Amid the chaos, as the cabin crew ran to help the panicking passengers, it was the real-life hero, Dr. Smita, who took charge of the situation. After calmly assessing the patient, she diagnosed her with hypertensive heart failure, a critical condition that could have led to cardiac arrest or respiratory collapse if not treated promptly. With minimal emergency supplies on board, she acted quickly. She injected the patient with Lasix to reduce fluid overload, sublingual nitroglycerin to relieve her chest pain, and Ecosprin to manage cardiac stress. The patient was provided oxygen to help with her breathing. As the patient stabilized, the crew informed the pilot, and the flight was diverted to Ranchi, where an emergency medical team awaited the patient. Without her timely diagnosis and intervention, the consequences could have been catastrophic. Dr. Smita stated, “It was an incredibly tense situation where every second felt critical. Staying calm and making quick, effective decisions is vital in such cases. The risk of things going wrong, like cardiac arrest or respiratory failure, was very real. Still, I’m grateful that I could use my training and experience to act quickly and stabilize her before the flight could land safely. Knowing that my efforts saved her life is the most rewarding part of being a doctor.” Thanks to the doctors efforts, the passenger was stable by the time the flight landed. She was transported in a wheelchair to a local hospital for further treatment. Later updates confirmed that the patient had recovered and had gone back to her normal life.
21 December,2024 11:25 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
