Lucknow: The life of an eight-year-old girl named Madiha, suffering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), was successfully saved by doctors at King George’s Medical University (KGMU). GBS, a neurological disorder known to cause muscle weakness and paralysis, had severely affected Madiha’s respiratory muscles, making her case particularly challenging. She required extensive medical care, including blood changes, ventilator support for almost three months, and a prolonged hospital stay of seven months before being discharged on Sunday.
Madiha, a resident of Kanpur Dehat, was initially unable to move her limbs when she was brought to KGMU, necessitating immediate ventilator support. According to Prof. Shalini Tripathi, who led the treatment under the guidance of Prof. Mala Kumar, Head of Paediatrics, Madiha required continuous monitoring in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) due to severe infections and persistent muscle weakness. Her recovery journey involved a series of intensive interventions.
Twice, Madiha was administered Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg), a costly therapy that plays a critical role in managing GBS by modulating the immune system. Additionally, plasmapheresis was performed to filter harmful substances from her blood. To support her breathing over the prolonged period, doctors carried out a tracheostomy, creating an opening in her neck, which also increased her vulnerability to infections.
The severity of Madiha’s condition meant she was initially too weak to eat on her own and had to be fed through a tube. However, as her strength gradually returned, she was eventually able to eat independently. With continuous therapy, her muscle stiffness reduced, and her overall health began to improve.
GBS, as explained by Prof. Kumar, occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks peripheral nerves. This condition typically begins with weakness and tingling in the legs, which can spread to the arms and face. Additional symptoms may include muscle weakness, back pain, and loss of reflexes. In some cases, the disorder affects eye movements, facial muscles, and even swallowing or chewing. The most severe cases involve respiratory difficulties that necessitate ventilator support and can affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to irregular heart rates and blood pressure fluctuations.
Madiha’s recovery was made possible not only through advanced medical care but also with the unwavering support of her family and financial help from donors. Her case highlights the complexity of treating GBS and the critical role of timely interventions and prolonged care in managing such severe conditions.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)
