Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, has recorded a groundbreaking medical success, as a 32-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease, who underwent a renal transplant has successfully delivered a healthy baby boy through cesarean section.
GRH Dean Dr L Arul Sundaresh Kumar shared an inspiring story at a press conference. D Chitra, 32, from Madurai, battled chronic kidney disease since 2015. The Department of Nephrology treated her, and she underwent hemodialysis.
After evaluation and counseling, the nephrology department referred Chitra for a renal transplant. In 2018, a skilled team successfully performed the surgery using her mother's compatible kidney.
Thanks to expert care, Chitra conceived in January 2024. Notably, pregnancy in renal transplant patients is rare and complex. However, GRH's multidisciplinary team provided intensive care and meticulous monitoring throughout Chitra's pregnancy.Dr L Arul Sundaresh Kumar, Dean, Government Rajaji Hospital
On October 2, Chitra went into labor and was promptly admitted to the labor room. Due to the high-risk condition of both mother and baby, who had been diagnosed with Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR), a team of expert gynecologists performed an emergency Lower Segment Cesarean Section (LSCS), delivering a healthy baby boy. As a precaution, both Chitra and her newborn were closely monitored in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before being discharged in stable condition on October 10.
Dr M.K. Mahalakshmi, Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, briefed reporters on a remarkable medical achievement on Tuesday. A 32-year-old woman who underwent a renal transplant in 2018.
Generally, pregnancy is not advised for kidney transplant recipients due to powerful medications, including immunosuppressants. However, this woman followed doctors' advice meticulously, enabling her to carry the pregnancy to term.Dr M.K. Mahalakshmi, Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
"Successful pregnancy outcomes in renal transplant patients are extremely rare," emphasized Dr Mahalakshmi. Citing a 20-year study by Madras Medical College, she noted that out of 1,097 renal transplant recipients, 201 women were of childbearing age, with only 14 pregnancies identified and merely nine live births.
Chitra revealed that she initially sought treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) at a private hospital, but financial constraints forced her to seek alternative care. Thankfully, she found GRH, where doctors provided life-saving treatment free of cost. In stark contrast, private hospital expenses would have exceeded Rs 12 lakh, making GRH's compassion and expertise a game-changer.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)