15-Day-Old Baby Wins Battle Against Deadly Infection with Doctors’ Efforts at Barod Hospital

Indore, February 15, 2025 – A 15-day-old newborn was fighting a rare and life-threatening infection. His back and lower body turned black due to the infection, which started spreading to his stomach and belly button. This was extremely dangerous because the infection could reach his vital organs through the umbilical artery and vein. The baby’s condition was critical, and there was little hope left.

This rare case was treated at Barod Hospital, Indore, where the newborn was diagnosed with Synergistic Bacterial Gangrene with Septicemia—a severe infection. The baby was in a near-death condition when he was admitted under the care of Dr. Himanshu Kelkar. His blood count had risen to 29,000, and he was suffering from severe septicemia. He was also unable to drink milk, which made his condition worse.

A Difficult and Challenging Case

Dr. Ashwini Das, Chief Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Barod Hospital, said, “This was a very complex and challenging case, but our team’s dedication and the family’s faith made it possible to save the baby. This infection is very dangerous for newborns and usually enters through the belly button. Multiple types of bacteria destroy the skin and internal tissues, making the skin black and causing deep wounds. If the infection reaches the bloodstream, it can lead to septicemia, where organs stop functioning, putting the baby’s life at risk. Since newborns have weak immunity, quick and intensive treatment is essential. The baby was in a critical state, but we successfully controlled the infection and gave him a new life. Not only that, but we also reconstructed his back using Flap Advancement and Matriderm (artificial skin). This is not just a medical success but also the rebirth of hope for the family.”

A Historic Medical Achievement

The baby’s father, who works in a hotel, could not afford the high cost of treatment. However, a company provided the artificial skin Matriderm worth ₹40,000 for free, which was used twice during the procedure. This was the first time in the world that a *dermal substitute was successfully used on a 15-day-old newborn. Medical experts worldwide are excited about this achievement. The baby, named Sarthak, is now recovering like a true fighter.

A Team Effort Saves a Life

Dr. Sanjay Gokuldas, Director of Barod Hospital, expressed his happiness, saying, “We are extremely proud that we saved this little life. The efforts of our doctors were truly commendable. Giving anesthesia to a 15-day-old baby for surgery was a big challenge, and Dr. Chauhan, our anesthesiologist, played a key role. Pediatrician Dr. Himanshu Kelkar, pediatric ICU specialist Dr. Bloom Verma, and the ICU team acted quickly to start the treatment. When Sarthak’s condition worsened, plastic and reconstructive surgery expert Dr. Ashwini Das took over the case and worked with full dedication. Today, Sarthak is a healthy baby, weighing 4 kg at one and a quarter months old.”

Dr. Gokuldas further added, “I congratulate the entire team for their tireless efforts. Thanks to their hard work and the family’s support, little Sarthak is now moving toward a healthy future.”