At birth, this baby was found to have a rare overgrowth of Lung Tissue, a condition detected in only 1 in 30,000 live births and requiring prompt intervention

A team headed by Dr Ankit Gupta, Paediatric Critical Care Specialist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road successfully treated a 2-month-old baby with breathlessness due to a rare condition called congenital lobar emphysema that led to lower oxygen and extremely higher carbon dioxide levels in the body. The patient who also had multiple complications such as pneumonia was discharged after 1 month of the hospital stay and is achieving developmental milestones of his age.

After the birth of their baby, Sonu’s parents based in Virar, experienced immense joy.  However, their happiness was dampened when the baby struggled with breathing difficulties for 2-3 days. As a result, to seek further medical assistance they visited Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road.

Dr Ankit Gupta, a Paediatric Critical Care Specialist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road said, “Upon arrival in an emergency in the last week of August, the baby’s condition was critical with oxygen saturation 70 & CO2 150 compared to the ideal level of 40mmol L following which he was immediately put on Ventilator. When his condition didn’t improve, he was put on High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilator.  CT Chest confirmed the diagnosis of congenital lobar emphysema, an extremely rare developmental malformation of lungs found in only 1 in 30,000 live births. This condition causes overinflation of lung lobes due to trapped air that enters but cannot escape the lungs. Typically observed in newborns or young infants, it results in one lobe of the lung becoming enlarged and compressing the other vital organs in the chest. It is crucial to promptly address this condition as any delay in treatment can have severe consequences on brain function and potentially lead to sudden death.”

Dr Gupta added, “The patient was kept on the high-frequency ventilator, stabilized and scheduled for Thoracotomy with lobectomy (removal of an affected lobe of the lung) by our Paediatric Surgeon Dr Bhavesh Doshi. The surgery lasted for around 3 hours. There was minimal blood loss during the surgery. The left lung expanded well postoperatively. It is imperative to accurately diagnose the condition and promptly administer appropriate treatment.”

“Amid our baby’s struggle with breathlessness, we found ourselves confident in the expertise and dedication of the doctors who saved his life. Their quick thinking and immediate action brought us a glimmer of hope during what felt like an impossible situation. The gratitude we feel towards these doctors is immeasurable,” concluded Sonu’s father.