In yet another example of clinical excellence by Apollo Hospitals, Apollo Cradle, the premier birthing center, today showcased its expertise in handling high-risk pregnancies by helping a woman with not one but two rheumatological complications deliver a healthy baby boy.
Mrs. Shyamala approached Senior Rheumatologist Dr S Ramakrishnan with a history of previous foetal loss in her first pregnancy. Examination of her records revealed that she had a combination of two rheumatic diseases, generally associated with bad pregnancy outcomes. The two diseases were Primary Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome and Neonatal Lupus, which have always been a challenge to rheumatologists in terms of management.
Primary Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome:
A medical condition where there in increased risk of blood clotting, due to substances in maternal blood named as Antiphospholipid antibodies. A pregnant woman with Primary Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome presents as recurrent abortion or repeated intrauterine foetal demise.
This syndrome leads to blockage of maternal blood vessels resulting in inadequate blood supply to the foetus leading to foetal demise. Occasionally new born in Neonatal Lupus is born with congenital heart block which may result in death or necessitate permanent pace maker implantation.
Neonatal Lupus:
Is a disease associated with increased risk of heart block in the foetus resulting in foetal demise. Occasionally new born in Neonatal Lupus is born with congenital heart block which may result in death or necessitate permanent pace maker implantation.
Speaking about the condition, Dr S R Ramakrishnan said, "Some women during pregnancy have substances called Anti-Ro and Anti-La antibodies in the maternal blood, which cross the placenta and damage foetal conduction system and heart muscles. This damage results in complete heart block or heart failure ultimately leading to foetal death. This condition is called neonatal lupus"
Mrs Shyamala had another coexistent rheumatological disease named Primary Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, which is also associated with increased risk of foetal demise, due to risk of blood clot during pregnancy. The blockade of blood supply to the foetus results in foetal demise.
“We have seen that administering a combination of blood thinners and intravenous immunoglobulin at appropriate frequencies can prevent foetal death and ensure successful delivery. Mrs Shyamala was administered intravenous immunoglobulin on the 12th, 15th, 18th, 21st and 24th week of pregnancy and underwent frequent echocardiography to detect foetal heart block and there was no evidence of heart block in the test done,” Dr Ramakrishnan added.
She was followed meticulously by Dr Kondammal, Senior Consultant Obstetrician at Apollo Cradle. The pregnancy went through successfully and a healthy male new born was delivered by Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) on the 37th week of her pregnancy.
About Apollo Hospitals
It was in 1983, that Dr. Prathap Reddy made a pioneering endeavour by launching India’s first corporate hospital - Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. Over the years Apollo Hospitals has established itself as home to the largest cardiac practice in India with over 160,000 cardiac surgeries. Apollo Hospitals is also the world’s largest private cancer care provider and runs the world’s leading solid organ transplant program.
Now, as Asia’s largest and most trusted healthcare group, its presence includes 8,488 beds across 51 Hospitals, 1,586 Pharmacies, 92 Primary Care and Diagnostic Clinics, 100 Telemedicine units across 10 countries. Health Insurance services, Global Projects Consultancy, 15 colleges of Nursing and Hospital Management and a Research Foundation with a focus on global Clinical Trials, epidemiological studies, stem cell & genetic research and the first Proton Therapy Center across Asia, Africa and Australia.
In a rare honor, the Government of India issued a commemorative stamp in recognition of Apollo's contribution, the first for a healthcare organization. Apollo Hospitals Chairman, Dr. Prathap C Reddy, was conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2010. For more than 28 years, the Apollo Hospitals Group has continuously excelled and maintained leadership in medical innovation, world-class clinical services and cutting-edge technology. Our hospitals are consistently ranked amongst the best hospitals globally for advanced medical services and research.
Photo Caption: Dr Radhalakshmi Senthil, Senior Consultant Neonatology; Dr Kondammal, Senior Consultant Obstetrician; Patient Mrs Shyamala with her new-born and husband Mr P Balakrishna and Dr Ramakrishnan, Senior Rheumatologist at Apollo Hospitals
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