From tree of medications to tree of life: A true fighter
A 4 years girl was referred to our hospital in critical condition with severe respiratory distress, unable to maintain oxygen saturation even with high-flow oxygen therapy. She had been battling fever, cough, and cold for 10 days, with prior hospitalization failing to stabilize her.
On arrival, she was shifted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and placed on mechanical ventilation. Her oxygen levels were dangerously low despite maximum ventilator support, and a chest X-ray confirmed severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). She was started on inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy ( currently available only at Ankura Hospital Bhubaneswar) and inotropic support to stabilize her condition.
Over 48 hours, her oxygenation improved. With prone-supine ventilation, fluid management, and antibiotics, her condition steadily improved. After six days, iNO therapy was tapered off, and her oxygenation continued to stabilize.
After 14 days on mechanical ventilation, she was successfully extubated to non-invasive ventilation and then weaned off. Post-extubation, she faced challenges like muscle weakness, oral aversion, and drug withdrawal symptoms. With intensive physiotherapy, oral stimulation, and early mobilization, she made steady progress.
At discharge, she was on room air with a nasogastric (NG) tube for feeding. Her parents were trained in NG care, feeding, physiotherapy, and monitoring for danger signs. She will follow up in 15 days to continue her recovery journey.
Her story reflects the resilience of young patients and the commitment of our medical team to provide holistic, life-saving care.
