SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Aug 20: A team of senior residents from the paediatrics department of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College Hospital (MGMMCH), Jamshedpur, achieved a significant milestone in neonatal care by saving the life of a preterm infant through the administration of surfactant therapy.
On Tuesday evening, a 32-week preterm baby developed symptoms of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) shortly after birth. Acting promptly, the clinical team—including Senior Residents Dr. Raghvendra, Dr. Sidarth, Dr. Varun, along with junior residents and NICU nurses—administered surfactant therapy.
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Successful Intervention and Positive Outcome
Team leader Dr. Raghvendra Kumar informed that the infant did not experience any immediate complications and was successfully extubated to CPAP one hour after treatment. Follow-up chest X-rays confirmed improved lung aeration.
This was the first time surfactant therapy had been administered at MGMMCH. Along with the therapy, the baby also received a phospholipid liquid to aid respiratory function.
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Understanding the Challenges of Preterm Birth
Explaining further, Dr. Raghvendra said that infants born between 28 to 33 weeks generally have underdeveloped lungs, making them highly vulnerable to respiratory syndrome. Their breathing often fluctuates—becoming abnormally fast or stopping spontaneously.
“The infant delivered on Tuesday was only 32 weeks preterm and weighed just 1.4 kg. To stabilize its breathing, we administered phospholipid therapy purchased from the market, which helped clear the lungs,” he added.
