Hyderabad, Oct 28: – In a rare medical feat, doctors at KIMS Cuddles Gachibowli saved the life of an 11-month-old baby with severe H1N1 pneumonia using Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) support. The hospital disclosed this achievement in a release on Friday.
Dr. Suman Lingabathina, Lead Consultant Paediatric Intensivist, along with Dr. Alekhya, Consultant Pediatric Intensivist, addressed the media, detailing the case of Anvika. The 11-month-old, initially treated in a private hospital with ventilation support, was referred to KIMS Cuddles for ECMO support when she couldn’t maintain oxygen levels on the ventilator.
The ECMO support played a pivotal role in stabilizing the child’s condition, and after 22 days on ECMO and an additional 10 days in intensive care, Anvika was discharged in good health.
Dr. Suman explained that ECMO takes over lung function by removing carbon dioxide and providing oxygen when the lungs are unable to function properly. This allows the lungs to rest and recover, particularly in critical situations where conventional treatments are insufficient.
While ECMO support for pediatric patients is well-established in Western countries, its utilization in India has been limited. Dr. Suman highlighted the challenges of providing ECMO support to children, emphasizing the need for a dedicated team of pediatric intensive care doctors, a senior nursing team, ECMO perfusionists, and advanced laboratory facilities and equipment.
The successful treatment of Anvika showcases the advanced medical capabilities at KIMS Cuddles Gachibowli and highlights the potential of ECMO support in critical pediatric cases.”
