Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory successfully treats newborn with severe Chikungunya
Pune: Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory is proud to announce the successful treatment of a newborn who developed severe complications due to a Chikungunya (CHIKV) infection shortly after birth.
This case highlights the intricate challenges of managing mosquito-borne diseases in newborns, especially during transitional seasons when such infections are more prevalent.
The newborn was initially delivered in good health and discharged three days after a normal delivery. However, just six days later, the infant was readmitted to Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory Nagar Road hospital with symptoms that were both alarming and confusing.
The baby presented with a high fever, refused to feed, showed minimal activity, and had developed a noticeable body rash. Given the recent surge in Dengue cases within Pune, the medical team initially suspected Dengue. However, after conducting the necessary tests, Dengue was ruled out, leaving the medical team to explore other potential causes.
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The situation took a critical turn on the third day of the infant’s readmission when the baby experienced convulsions. The medical team responded immediately, administering anticonvulsant medications to stabilize the newborn. An EEG was conducted, which confirmed seizure activity, further raising concerns about the severity of the condition. To understand the underlying cause, a lumbar puncture was performed, and an MRI was conducted, both of which revealed signs of a brain infection. Concurrently, the baby’s platelet count began to drop significantly, prompting the doctors to conduct a comprehensive tropical fever panel test. This test ultimately confirmed the presence of the Chikungunya virus.
To ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis and to rule out congenital transmission (infection passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth), the medical team also tested the mother's antibodies. The results were negative, confirming that the baby had acquired the infection after birth, which added another layer of complexity to the case.
The Chikungunya infection in this newborn led to a range of serious complications, including liver dysfunction, issues with blood coagulation, and respiratory difficulties. The infant was placed on respiratory support to manage breathing difficulties and was given intravenous immunoglobulins to reduce the inflammation that had spread throughout the body. The medical team at Sahyadri closely monitored the baby’s condition, adjusting treatments as needed to address the various complications that arose.
After 17 days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the baby’s condition began to show signs of improvement. The liver function started to normalize, the platelet count stabilized, and the newborn's overall health began to recover. Thanks to the relentless efforts and expertise of the medical team at Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory, which included Dr Preeti Lad, Dr Prateek Katariya, Dr Nikita Mankar, Dr Sushmita, and Dr Dinesh Thakare, under the leadership of Dr Pradeep Suryawanshi, the baby was eventually discharged in good health.
Dr Pradeep Suryawanshi, Director & HOD, Neonatology and Pediatrics at Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory, expressed his relief and satisfaction with the outcome. He commented, “This case truly underscores the importance of comprehensive and timely diagnostic evaluations in newborns. The varied symptoms presented by the baby required a thorough and methodical approach to identify the Chikungunya infection. Our team’s ability to quickly respond to the evolving condition and manage the complications was crucial to the baby’s recovery. It was incredibly rewarding to see the baby discharged in a healthy state after such a challenging journey.”
Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory remains steadfast in its commitment to providing high-quality, specialized care for newborns and all its patients. This case is a testament to the hospital's dedication to managing even the most complex medical challenges with expertise, compassion and care.
