After waiting nine years to welcome a child, a couple from Hoskote near Bengaluru faced a heartbreaking medical emergency when their newborn daughter developed severe breathing distress soon after birth.
Born at 36 weeks, the baby initially brought immense joy to the family after years of medical struggles. But within hours, doctors noticed her oxygen levels dropping dangerously, turning the celebration into a race against time.
Midnight transfer to NICU
As her condition worsened, standard breathing support was no longer enough. The infant was rushed at 1.30 am in a specialised neonatal ambulance to Manipal Hospital, where a neonatal emergency team was ready.
Doctors found her oxygen saturation had fallen to 85 per cent, a critical level that required urgent intervention.
Rare newborn lung disorder diagnosed
Led by Dr Anand Patil, the medical team diagnosed the baby with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), a serious condition where the lungs fail to adapt after birth.
Instead of relaxing to allow blood flow for oxygen exchange, the lung blood vessels remain constricted, depriving the body of oxygen. The condition can be fatal if untreated.
Intensive treatment saves child
Doctors immediately placed the baby on a ventilator, stabilised blood pressure with medicines and used specialised treatment to reduce pressure in the lungs. Continuous monitoring was carried out using scans, blood tests and heart evaluations.
After several days of critical care, the infant’s oxygen levels improved, blood pressure normalised and lung function stabilised. She was gradually taken off the ventilator.
Family gets emotional relief
The hospital foundation reportedly covered around 30 per cent of the treatment cost, easing the financial burden on the parents during the crisis.
Soon after recovery, the baby was finally placed in the arms of her parents — healthy, breathing independently and giving the family the happy ending they had prayed for over nearly a decade.