Hyderabad: KIMS Cuddles Gachibowli doctors treated an 11-month-old baby with ECMO support to save her life. This is one of the rare cases where an 11-month-old baby with pneumonia was treated successfully on ECMO.
Dr. Suman Lingabathina, Lead Consultant Paediatric Intensivist, explained the entire situation and details. Anvika, an 11-month-old baby with severe H1N1 pneumonia, was treated in a private hospital with ventilation as support. was then referred to KIMS Cuddles, Gachibowli for ECMO support she was unable to maintain oxygen levels on ventilator support. Dr. Suman Lingabathina, lead Consultant Pediatric Intensivist, and Dr. Alekhya, consultant pediatric intensivist, treated the child.
As a result of ECMO support, the child's condition stabilized. After 22 days of ECMO, the baby spent another 10 days in intensive care. Finally, she was in good helath discharged.
In critical situations where the lungs are unable to function properly, ECMO can take over the lung function by removing carbon dioxide and taking up oxygen, allowing the lungs to rest and recover.
This treatment is typically offered when heart or lung function is severely compromised and conventional treatment methods are not sufficient. It is performed on patients of all ages and has become increasingly utilized during the H1N1 and Covid-19 pandemics.
ECMO support for pediatric patients has been widely accepted and available in Western countries for years.
However, in India, it is not utilized to the extent needed. Providing ECMO support to children is a challenging job, and it requires a dedicated team of pediatric intensive care doctors, a senior nursing team, ECMO perfusionists, and advanced laboratory facilities and equipment.
KIMS Hospital Gachibowli has all the necessary facilities and a dedicated team to manage sick babies. KIMS was the first hospital to start ECMO services in 2012 and has done the most number of cases so far in Telugu states.
