Bethany Hospital Outreach, Nongpoh has achieved a significant medical breakthrough by successfully conducting the first-ever peritoneal dialysis (PD) on a newborn baby.
Spokesperson of the hospital, Dr Kyntiewlang Sanmiet said this is a momentous leap forward for rural healthcare and noteworthy, considering the limited resources and challenges associated with healthcare services in rural areas.
The baby was born on May 30 at Civil Hospital, Nongpoh, through an assisted breech delivery. Dr Sanmiet said, as baby did not cry after birth, signalling potential complications, the medical team promptly referred the newborn to Bethany Hospital Outreach, Nongpoh for specialized care and attention.
Upon arrival at the hospital, critical resuscitation measures were initiated to stabilize the baby’s condition. Initial evaluations revealed that the baby suffered from HIE stage II (Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy) and Acute Kidney Injury. “To address the escalating kidney concerns, peritoneal dialysis was considered after counselling the patient’s family about the available treatment options,” he said.
Peritoneal dialysis, is an intricate procedure involving the meticulous removal of waste products and excess fluids from the body, enabled blood purification within the peritoneal cavity.
Dr Sanmiet said after repeated kidney function tests showed significant elevation. Despite facing the challenge of peritonitis, a serious infection of the peritoneum which the baby subsequently developed, the medical team successfully treated the condition, allowing peritoneal dialysis sessions to continue until the baby’s kidney functions improved.
Through dedicated care and treatment under Dr. D. Ranee, Consultant Paediatrician, the baby showed remarkable progress, recovered and discharged on June 22. He also said the baby is now healthy and thriving.
The hospital also lauded Dr Ranee and the medical team for their expertise and dedication, which contributed to this significant medical success which also showcased the potential for exceptional healthcare services even in rural healthcare settings.
