Sahyadri Hospitals Successfully Treats Newborn With Severe Chikungunya Complications

Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory has successfully treated a newborn who developed severe complications due to a Chikungunya (CHIKV) infection shortly after birth. 

Initially delivered in good health, the infant was discharged three days after a normal delivery. However, just six days later, the baby was readmitted to Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory Nagar Road with alarming symptoms, including a high fever, refusal to feed, minimal activity, and a noticeable body rash. With a surge in Dengue cases in Pune, the medical team initially suspected Dengue, but tests ruled it out, prompting further investigation.

The situation worsened on the third day of readmission when the baby experienced convulsions. The medical team responded promptly with anticonvulsant medications and conducted an EEG, which confirmed seizure activity, heightening concerns. Further testing, including a lumbar puncture and an MRI, revealed signs of a brain infection. Concurrently, a significant drop in the baby’s platelet count led doctors to perform a comprehensive tropical fever panel, which ultimately confirmed the presence of the Chikungunya virus.

To rule out congenital transmission, the mother’s antibodies were also tested, with negative results confirming that the baby had acquired the infection post-birth. The Chikungunya infection led to severe complications, including liver dysfunction, blood coagulation issues, and respiratory difficulties. The infant required respiratory support and intravenous immunoglobulins to manage the inflammation.

After 17 days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the baby’s condition improved, with stabilised liver function, a normalised platelet count, and overall recovery. Thanks to the expertise and relentless efforts of the medical team, including Dr. Preeti Lad, Dr. Prateek Katariya, Dr. Nikita Mankar, Dr. Sushmita, and Dr. Dinesh Thakare, under the leadership of Dr. Pradeep Suryawanshi, the baby was eventually discharged in good health.

Dr. Pradeep Suryawanshi, Director & HOD, Neonatology and Pediatrics at Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory, expressed his relief and satisfaction with the outcome. He stated, “This case truly underscores the importance of comprehensive and timely diagnostic evaluations in newborns. The varied symptoms presented required a thorough and methodical approach to identify the Chikungunya infection. Our team’s ability to quickly respond and manage the complications was crucial to the baby’s recovery. It was incredibly rewarding to see the baby discharged in a healthy state after such a challenging journey.”