Wockhardt Hospitals Saves Pregnant Woman With Severe Cardiac Complications

In a recent medical triumph, a 26-year-old pregnant woman facing severe cardiac complications was successfully treated at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central. This case underscores the critical importance of advanced medical interventions and a multidisciplinary approach in managing high-risk pregnancies.

The patient, who was seven months pregnant, was initially admitted to a hospital in Kurla with high blood pressure and vaginal bleeding. Despite receiving treatment, her condition deteriorated, resulting in the premature birth of her baby at just 28 weeks, with a birth weight of 598 grams. Post-delivery, the patient experienced severe breathlessness, elevated blood pressure, and hypoxia, along with an increased respiratory rate. Recognising the need for specialised care, she was transferred to Wockhardt Hospitals for advanced treatment.

Upon her arrival, the medical team at Wockhardt Hospitals, which included Dr. Gandhali Deorukhkar, an OBGYN, Dr. Kedar Toraskar, an ICU Intensivist, and Dr. Parin Sangoi, a Cardiologist, immediately stabilised her condition by securing her airway, breathing, and circulation before transferring her to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Comprehensive tests and scans revealed that the patient was suffering from Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a rare but severe form of heart failure that occurs during the last month of pregnancy or up to five months postpartum. This condition, which weakens the heart muscle, impairs the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently. Notably, the patient had no prior history of heart disease, making the diagnosis even more critical.

Dr. Deorukhkar emphasised the importance of early intervention and a comprehensive care approach, stating, “This case exemplifies the need for timely and coordinated efforts in managing complex medical conditions during pregnancy. Our multidisciplinary team’s expertise and dedication were key to the patient’s recovery.”

Dr. Sangoi further explained, “Peripartum Cardiomyopathy is a potentially life-threatening condition where the heart becomes enlarged and weakened, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improving outcomes.”

The patient was placed on a ventilator due to respiratory distress, and later that night, her urine output decreased significantly, a condition known as oliguria, indicating reduced kidney function. Further tests revealed kidney inflammation, prompting the medical team to initiate dialysis to support her renal function.

As her treatment progressed, the patient showed a slow but steady improvement in her breathing rate and kidney function. Despite her heart function being critically low at 15 per cent, compared to the normal 70-80 per cent, her creatinine levels stabilised, allowing her to be weaned off the ventilator just 48 hours after delivery.

By the fourth day, another dialysis session was performed to further enhance her kidney function. Four days after the second dialysis, the patient was able to stand and perform simple tasks, marking a remarkable turnaround in her health. After a total of ten days in the hospital, she was discharged in a stable condition with a hopeful prognosis.

This case highlights the exceptional capabilities of the medical team at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, and their commitment to leveraging advanced medical technologies and collaborative care to save lives in challenging scenarios.

Cardiac complications during pregnancy present significant risks to both maternal and fetal health due to physiological changes, such as increased blood volume and heart rate, essential for fetal development. Chronic conditions, including hypertension and pulmonary hypertension, can be exacerbated by pregnancy, leading to severe complications. Additionally, new-onset conditions like Gestational Hypertension, Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, and PPCM can develop during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth, making early detection and meticulous follow-up essential for effective management.

Dr. Deorukhkar highlighted the importance of awareness and precautionary measures, stating, “Effective management of cardiac conditions during pregnancy requires early detection, individualised treatment, and ongoing monitoring. Our multidisciplinary team’s expertise was crucial in navigating this complex case and achieving a positive outcome.”