Thane: Doctors at KIMS Hospitals, Thane successfully treated a critically ill newborn suffering from a severe lung condition caused by meconium aspiration, following weeks of intensive and highly specialised neonatal care.
The newborn had aspirated meconium, the first stool passed by a baby, into her lungs at birth, triggering serious respiratory distress, dangerously elevated lung pressure, and a severe infection.
She was referred to KIMS Hospitals on the 10th day of life in a critical condition, on high-frequency ventilator support, and in shock, with oxygen saturation levels fluctuating between 75% and 80%.
Transporting the infant itself was a high-risk procedure, as standard neonatal transport systems do not support advanced ventilation.
Despite these challenges, the neonatal team at KIMS Hospitals ensured a safe transfer and immediate stabilisation upon arrival.
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Prolonged NICU Care for Meconium-Induced Respiratory Failure
The newborn’s stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was prolonged and complex. She required continuous monitoring, frequent ventilator adjustments, blood pressure support medications, and round-the-clock supervision by a dedicated neonatal team.
Even minor changes in oxygen levels or vital signs necessitated urgent medical intervention.
She remained on ventilator support for nearly 30 days and required inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy for 21 days to manage severe pulmonary hypertension caused by meconium aspiration. Weaning her off oxygen was gradual and challenging, marked by intermittent improvements and setbacks.
Doctors Highlight Teamwork and Advanced Neonatal Management
Commenting on the case, Dr Deepika Tiwari, Senior Consultant – Pediatrics and Neonatology, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, said, “This baby had multiple life-threatening complications when she reached us. Managing such cases requires constant vigilance, timely decisions, and a highly skilled multidisciplinary team. Her recovery reflects not just medical science, but also perseverance and coordinated neonatal care.”
Dr Sachin Sakharkar, In-charge NICU (Neonatology) and Consultant Pediatrics, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, added, “The baby’s condition was extremely unstable initially. Prolonged ventilator support, pulmonary hypertension management, and careful monitoring were key. Each day brought new challenges, but our team remained focused on giving her the best possible chance to survive and thrive.”
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The treatment involved a multidisciplinary team comprising neonatologists, pediatricians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and support staff, including Dr. Rashmi Yemul, who played a significant role in the newborn’s clinical management throughout the NICU stay.
Successful Recovery After Critical Meconium-Related Illness
After 38 days of intensive neonatal care, the newborn showed steady improvement and was discharged home, breathing independently and feeding orally.
The case highlights how advanced neonatal infrastructure, clinical expertise, and coordinated care can help critically ill newborns recover from severe meconium-related complications.
