A Girl with Thalassemic Major gave birth to a healthy baby

Ludhiana, June 5, 2017: In one of the rare and surprising incidents, a transfusion dependant thalassemia major girl gave birth to a healthy female baby weighing 2.8 kgs. The delivery of patient was done under supervision of multidisciplinary team headed by Professor & Head of Obsterics & Gynaecology- Dr.Ashima Taneja.
According to Dr Ashima Taneja, pregnancy in women with Thalassemia major has been rarely reported because these patients usually have a shortened life expectancy and reduced fertility as Thalassemia major have multiorgan effects of iron deposition.
Secretary of DMCH Managing Society- Mr.Prem Kumar Gupta said that it brings a new ray of hope for thalasemic major in the region. Principal Dr. Sandeep Puri informed that it’s the 2nd case of Thalasemia Major in Northern India and 1st in Punjab.
Medical Supdt Dr. Ashwani Chaudhary congratulated the multidisciplinary team.
According to Dr Ashima Taneja, patient was identified as Thalassemia major from the age of 6 years and was receiving regularly receiving blood transfusion with chelation therapy. Pregnancy was conceived spontaneously. During pregnancy, weekly blood transfusions were done to maintain the required Hemoglobin. Antenatal care of mother was managed by multidisiciplinary team of Obstetrician Dr. Ashima Taneja, Pediatric Hematologist Dr. Shruti and Cardiologist Dr. Shibba Takkar. Serial tests on her heart, liver and kidney were done & serial ultrasounds for fetal growth monitoring to look for fetal complications like fetal growth restriction. Baby was under supervision of Dr. Puneet Aulakh (Prof. & Head Pediatrics) and Dr. Kamal Arora (Neonatologist).
Both mother and baby are now discharged from the hospital in healthy condition and enjoying their mother-child bonding. Father of baby Girl Mr Balwinder Singh feel proud to be a father of wonderful baby girl whom family has named ‘Sitara’which means 'Star'