Shalinitai Meghe Hospital & Research Centre (SMHRC), Wanadongri, Nagpur, successfully managed an extremely critical premature newborn, highlighting the institute’s advanced neonatal care and strong multidisciplinary teamwork. A baby of S.N. (Twin B), resident of Hingna Taluka, was admitted in a very fragile condition. The newborn was delivered at just 27–28 weeks of gestation with an extremely low birth weight of 900 grams, placing the baby in a very high-risk category in another hospital. Being aware of the 26 bedded state of art Neonatal Intensive Care unit at SMHRC, the baby was referred here for further management.
Soon after admission, the baby was diagnosed with severe Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS Grade IV) and required immediate surfactant therapy along with mechanical ventilation from day one, which continued for 19 days. The clinical condition was further complicated by severe Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) and a hemodynamically significant Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). The baby also suffered from multiple serious conditions including CMV positive PCR infection with shock, neonatal seizures, anemia, osteopenia of prematurity, and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD).
Dr. Kush Jhunjhunwala, Professor & Head , Paediatrics, DMMC informed that, During the initial critical phase, the baby’s weight dropped further to 810 grams, reflecting the severity of illness and challenges faced during treatment. However, with timely interventions, advanced NICU support, and continuous monitoring, gradual improvement was achieved. After a prolonged stay of 78 days in the NICU, the baby was discharged in a stable condition, neurologically intact, with a weight of 1.890 kg.
Dr. Nilesh Darvhekar, Neonatologist stated that follow-up assessments have shown very encouraging results. Ophthalmological evaluation was normal, while hearing screening through OAE and neurosonogram also revealed no abnormalities, indicating a positive developmental outcome so far.
This success was made possible under the leadership of Professor & Head Dr. Kush D. Jhunjhunwala and the expert guidance of Dr. C. M. Bokade. The dedicated team of doctors including Dr. Nilesh Darvhekar- Neonatologist , Dr. Ishani Arora, Dr. Punam Uke, Dr. Nisha Aglave, Dr. Heena Bhandekar, Dr. Ashwin Meshram, Dr. Harsha Sonak, Dr. Veena Hasini, Dr. Parthiv, Dr. Deeksh, Dr. Shubham, Dr. Mayuri, Dr. Pushpa, and Dr. Riken worked tirelessly for the successful outcome. The nursing team led by Sister Aradhana, along with Sister Priti, Sister Zode, and Brother Hritik, played a vital role in round-the-clock care and monitoring.
Dr. Anup Marar, Director, DMIHER Nagpur Campus, expressed immense satisfaction over the successful management of this extremely high-risk premature newborn. He stated that this case reflects the hospital’s commitment to delivering advanced, evidence-based neonatal care even in the most challenging circumstances. Managing a 27–28 weeks, extremely low birth weight baby with multiple life-threatening complications requires not only advanced infrastructure but also a highly skilled and coordinated team effort.
Dr.Vasant Gawande, SMHRC Medical Superintendent further added that SMHRC continues to strengthen its neonatal and paediatric services with state-of-the-art facilities and multidisciplinary support, ensuring that even the most critical newborns receive the best possible care. He reiterated the institution’s vision of providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to all sections of society, while continuously striving for clinical excellence and improved patient outcomes. This case stands as a strong example of SMHRC’s commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate, and advanced neonatal care, even in the most challenging and high-risk situations.










