Name: Satyam Rastogi
Residence: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Case: CP Spastic Diplegia
Present Age: 25 years
Date of Registration: Dec 1998
Doctor: Dr. Chawda & Dr. Rakesh Bhansali

Concerns at time of Registration at SRCC:

1. Spastic lower limb muscle
2. Standing on toes only with support from walls
3. Dyslexia and sentence writing consumed time
4. Frequent salivation while talking and while sitting idle

History:
He had low IQ compared to the other children of his age. Unable to walk independently. Attended Physiotherapy, Education Therapy and Occupational Therapy

Milestones:

• Walking independently with the help of crutches
• Learnt to write properly and overcame his dyslexic problems
• Speech problems were resolved
• Started therapy at the age of 6 years and all milestones were achieved by 12-13 years of age
• Started studying in normal school and secured good marks
• Completed his SSC and HSC board exams
• Started preparing for MBBS after his 12^th
• Gave NEET Medical entrance exam in 2013
• Selected for pursuing MBBS in Government Medical College, Kolkata
• Currently, MBBS intern at Government Medical College, Kolkata.

Experience at SRCC :
Here are a few thoughts shared by him: “SRCC has changed my life from being a spastic patient to a doctor in Government Medical College, Kolkata. It is here where I learnt to walk by crutches for the first time in my life by the guidance of physiotherapists who are my doctors in the true sense. At this place I have got my basics in education. Later in class 10^th I decided I want to become a doctor because I thought a good patient can become a good doctor too. I am very thankful to Sadhana ma’am (Occupational Therapist) who taught me how to do all my basic work. Its SRCC where I got confident about my life, that it is for something good. Thank you SRCC for nurturing the basics of life in me & confidence. I hope many more parents get their happiness there by seeing their own child getting confident for life.”

Name: Kamarjahan Idris
Case: CP with dyslexia
Present Age: 25 years

History :

• Started Remedial therapy at the age of 2 years and continued up to 18 years of age
• Born in a middle-class family, could not afford attending special school
• Struggled throughout her school life to cope in a school for regular children
• Along with the normal school, she attended remedial therapy sessions at SRCC

Stepping stone in her life :
Failed in class 9 and faced lot of issues from the school being a child with special needs. However the school promoted her to class 10.

Milestones

• 10^th Standard – Passed with a first class
• 12^th Standard – Passed with 62%
• D.Ed. – Stood first in college
• Gradate Degree – B. Com + B.Ed + M.A. in literature
• Post Graduate – M.Com major with Economics + M. Ed in Research Methodology

Career :

• Started working as a teacher in the same school in which she managed her schooling with dyslexia
• Currently working in a reputed school as a Project Head.

Name: Dipti Amrutlal Mehta
Case: CP Spastic Quadriplegia
Doctor: Dr. N. M Shah
Present Age: 30 years
Age at the time of Diagnosis: 1 year

History:

1 year old child unable to walk, her parents instead of panicking and losing hopes they thought of finding alternatives and happen to consult at the Children’s Orthopaedic Hospital where she was diagnosed with CP Spastic Quadriplegia.

Milestones

• Started Physical therapy at the age of 2 years at SRCC.
• Simultaneously undertook Occupational therapy.
• Underwent operation at the age of 6 or 8 years for reliving stiff muscles on the lower limbs. Her legs became more flexible & Continued physiotherapy.
• Underwent operation at the age of 14 years above the knee since she was not able to lift her legs.

Experience at SRCC:

Thoughts shared by Ms. Dipti, “Though my parents forced me to walk I couldn’t walk a step at the age of 1 year, my parents were my greatest support at that time they didn’t worry about it and rather shouldered the responsibility and immediately consulted Orthopaedic surgeon at SRCC, Dr. N.M Shah, I was then diagnosed with CP Spastic Quadriplegia, one of the most severe forms of CP marked by the inability to use the arms, legs and body. By the age of 2 years I had started with physiotherapy. At SRCC the therapists were professional enough to make my therapy as enjoyable as possible by using age-appropriate toys and games. I also undertook Occupational therapy which has helped me develop skills to perform activities and tasks independently at home, school etc. I underwent two surgeries first one when I was 6 years to relax the stiffness in muscles and then the second to enable uplifting of my leg at the age of 14 years. By the age of 17 years I could finally walk on my own with the help of crutches.
I want to thank SRCC for the dedication they showed towards my progress and will always appreciate it.”

Medical Case: Hypothalamic Hamartoma causing gelastic seizures and precocious puberty
Age: 5 years
Doctor: Dr. Saurav Samantray – Senior Consultant, Paediatric Neurosurgery & Dr. Pradnya Gadgil – Senior Consultant, Paediatric Neurology

Concerns at time of Registration at SRCC:

• Frequent seizures – Up to 15 seizures per day.
• Multiple types of seizures – Including gelastic seizures (laughter seizures) as the most prominent.
• Seizures since infancy – The child had been experiencing seizures since 6 months of age.
• Misinterpretation of seizures – Gelastic seizures were initially mistaken for normal behaviour, delaying diagnosis.
• Behavioural issues – Irritability and hyperactivity were noted.
• Precocious puberty – Signs included early vaginal bleeding and breast bud development.
• On medication for hormonal issues – The child was already being treated for early puberty.
• Uncontrolled seizures despite medication – Antiepileptic drugs were ineffective.
• Cognitive and behavioural impact – Risk of developmental delay due to ongoing seizures.
• Neurological and endocrine disruption – Indicating the complexity of the condition involving multiple systems

History:

A 5-year-old girl with gelastic seizures since infancy and signs of precocious puberty due to a hypothalamic hamartoma, unresponsive to medication.
 
Milestones:

• Child presented with frequent daily seizures (up to 15), primarily gelastic (laughter) seizures.
• Seizures began at 6 months old but were misinterpreted as normal laughter, delaying proper diagnosis.
• Developed behavioural issues (irritability, hyperactivity) and signs of precocious puberty.
• Underwent video EEG and epilepsy protocol MRI to identify a rare hypothalamic hamartoma.
• Involved paediatric neurologist, neurosurgeon, endocrinologist, and neuropsychologist.
• Seizures continued despite multiple medications and hormone treatments.
• Team chose minimally invasive stereotactic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) over risky open surgery.
• Lesion was safely ablated using millimetre-precision guided electrodes with no complications.
• Child regained consciousness within an hour, began oral feeds in 4 hours, and had no post-op issues.
• Complete cessation of seizures, improved behaviour, and discharge on the fifth post-operative day in stable condition.

Experience at SRCC:

The family’s journey began with years of uncertainty and distress, as their child experienced unexplained bouts of laughter since she was just six months old—later identified as gelastic seizures. Despite consulting various specialists and being placed on multiple medications, her seizures continued relentlessly, affecting her behaviour, mood, and development. Signs of early puberty added to the family’s growing concerns.

Upon arriving at SRCC Children’s Hospital, managed by Narayana Health, Mumbai, their experience transformed. The child underwent comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Pradnya Gadgil and Dr. Saurav Samantray, who carefully diagnosed a rare hypothalamic hamartoma. After explaining the risks and benefits, the team performed a minimally invasive stereotactic radiofrequency ablation (RFA)—a highly advanced procedure available at only a few centres in India.

The results were life-changing. The child regained consciousness within an hour after surgery, began eating within hours, and most importantly, her seizures stopped completely. She was discharged within five days, cheerful, active, and seizure-free.

The family expressed immense gratitude for the compassionate care, expertise, and cutting-edge treatment that gave their daughter a new chance at life.

 

Voices of Leadership:

Dr. Saurav Samantray
Senior Consultant – Paediatric Neurosurgery

“The surgery lasted approximately four hours under general anesthesia. Post-operatively, the child regained full consciousness within an hour, resumed oral feeds by the fourth hour, and experienced no complications. Remarkably, her seizures stopped immediately after the procedure—a dramatic improvement from her previous 10–15 episodes per day. She was discharged on the fifth post-operative day, fully alert, mobile, and stable. It’s a testament to the power of innovation and teamwork in pediatric neurosurgery.”

Residence: Mumbai
Medical Case: Intermittent Organophosphorus (OP) Toxicity with Intermediate Syndrome
Age: 13 years
Doctor: Dr. Soonu Udani, Medical Director & Head of Critical Care & Emergency Services

Concerns at time of Registration at SRCC:

• Patient arrived intubated and sedated
• Absence of brainstem reflexes (suggesting possible irreversible brain injury)
• Pinpoint pupils
• Severe bronchospasm
• History of recurrent episodes of neuromuscular weakness, excessive sweating, profuse secretions, and altered consciousness
• Relapsing symptoms after initial improvement at previous hospital
• Unknown cause despite 4 days of investigation at previous facility
• Suspected toxicological or neurological crisis with unclear etiology

History:

Previously healthy 13-year-old girl presented with recurrent episodes of neuromuscular weakness, altered sensorium, and respiratory distress of unclear cause, later diagnosed as organophosphorus poisoning.

Milestones:

• Initial Hospital Admission: The child was admitted to another hospital with sudden onset of dizziness, excessive sweating, limb weakness, and altered consciousness.
• Intubation for Respiratory Failure: Due to worsening symptoms and risk of respiratory arrest, she was intubated and placed on ventilatory support.
• Symptom Relapse After Initial Recovery: Despite temporary improvement, her symptoms recurred within 24 hours, requiring re-intubation and further critical care.
• Transfer to SRCC Children’s Hospital: After four days of inconclusive investigation, she was referred to SRCC Children’s Hospital, managed by Narayana Health, for advanced evaluation.
• Critical Presentation on Arrival: On arrival, the child was intubated, sedated, lacked brainstem reflexes, had pinpoint pupils, and showed signs of severe bronchospasm.
• Fluctuating Clinical Course Observed: After sedation was withdrawn, she briefly improved before rapidly deteriorating again—an unusual pattern that prompted further investigation.
• Suspicion of Organophosphorus Poisoning: The clinical team considered a rare diagnosis of intermittent organophosphorus toxicity based on cyclical symptoms and lack of improvement.
• Confirmatory Diagnostic Tests: Nerve conduction study and red blood cell cholinesterase levels were conducted, confirming OP poisoning with low enzyme levels.
• Initiation of Antidotal Therapy: The patient was started on atropine and pralidoxime (PAM), the standard treatment for OP poisoning, leading to rapid improvement over 72 hours.
• Full Neurological Recovery and Discharge: The patient was successfully extubated, regained full neurological function (except transient ulnar nerve deficit), and was discharged in stable condition

Experience at SRCC:

For the family of the 13-year-old girl, the experience was nothing short of a nightmare turned into a miracle. The ordeal began with what seemed like a sudden and mysterious illness. Their previously healthy daughter collapsed with symptoms of dizziness, weakness, excessive sweating, and confusion. Within hours, she was on a ventilator, fighting for her life. Despite being in a hospital, her condition kept deteriorating, and the lack of a clear diagnosis left the family feeling helpless and terrified. After four days of uncertainty and no clear answers, the decision to shift her to SRCC Children’s Hospital, managed by Narayana Health, Mumbai was made in the hope of better clarity. On arrival, she was unconscious, sedated, and barely responsive—raising fears of permanent brain damage. But at SRCC, the family saw a change. The doctors took immediate action, questioned every detail, and stayed vigilant despite an unclear history. The team never gave up. Even when her symptoms briefly improved and then worsened again, the doctors dug deeper instead of accepting defeat. When the real cause—organophosphorus poisoning—was finally identified, the family was shocked but relieved that there was a treatment path. The administration of atropine and pralidoxime (PAM) began immediately, and within a few days, their daughter was slowly waking up, breathing on her own, and responding.

Finally, after days of fear and uncertainty, they saw her smile again.

“We thought we were losing her. But the doctors here gave her a second chance at life. We will never forget the care, dedication, and expertise shown by every single person in this hospital.” – said the patient’s mother, with tears of gratitude.

“We urge all parents to be vigilant about what children consume, especially in school settings. This could happen to anyone—and early action is everything.” – added the patient’s father.

Today, their daughter is back home, fully recovered, attending school again, and looking forward to a normal life—with a stronger family and a powerful story of   survival.

Voices of Leadership:

Dr. Soonu Udani
Medical Director & Head of Critical Care & Emergency Services
SRCC Children’s Hospital, managed by Narayana Health, Mumbai

‘’Organophosphorus poisoning, often caused by exposure to certain pesticides or contaminated substances, can present with vague and fluctuating neurological and respiratory symptoms that mimic other diseases, making early diagnosis a challenge—especially in children. In this case, the recurring nature of symptoms and absence of clear history delayed identification. Fortunately, with timely intervention and critical care support, recovery can be complete.

‘’We urge parents and schools to be vigilant about what children consume, especially substances not clearly labeled or brought from unknown sources. Early recognition and reporting of symptoms can save lives.’’

Dr. Zubin Pereira
Facility Director
SRCC Children’s Hospital, managed by Narayana Health, Mumbai

“This case highlights the importance of comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation in paediatric critical care. Our ability to identify and manage such a rare presentation of OP toxicity reflects the strength of our clinical expertise and advanced diagnostics.”

Name: Aesha
Residence: Nigeria (Africa)
Medical Case: Severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria with multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), including ARDS, acute kidney injury, HLH, liver dysfunction, and cerebral oedema
Age: 14 years
Doctor: Dr. Soonu Udani

Concerns at time of Registration at SRCC:

• High-grade fever for 7 days – indicating a prolonged, severe infection.
• Altered sensorium – a sign of cerebral involvement, possibly cerebral malaria.
• Severe respiratory distress – requiring immediate ventilatory support.
• Profuse bleeding from mouth and nose – suggesting coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia.
• Shock – indicative of circulatory collapse and multi-organ failure.
• Diminished urine output (oliguria) – early sign of acute kidney injury.
• Anuria (no urine output) – confirming acute renal failure.
• Rhabdomyolysis – breakdown of muscle tissue, further complicating renal failure.
• Recurrent vomiting and abdominal pain – gastrointestinal symptoms contributing to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
• Extremely high parasitic index of Plasmodium falciparum – indicating severe parasitaemia and high risk of complications.

History:

Seven-day history of high-grade fever, abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting, reduced urine output, and altered sensorium, progressively worsening to respiratory distress, shock, and bleeding manifestations before admission.
 
Milestones:

• Patient presented with 7 days of high fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, reduced urine output, and altered sensorium.
• Diagnosed with severe falciparum malaria with a very high parasitic index.
• Admitted in critical condition with multi-organ dysfunction and respiratory failure.
• Immediate life-saving interventions: mechanical ventilation, inotropes, and CRRT- Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy.
• Developed ARDS with lung bleeding; managed with prone ventilation and high ventilator settings.
• Secondary HLH-Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis was identified and treated with plasmapheresis, steroids, and CYTOSORB therapy.
• After 10 days, bleeding stopped and blood parameters began stabilizing.
• Kidney and liver functions recovered, allowing CRRT to be discontinued.
• Successfully weaned off ventilator; full neurological recovery despite initial cerebral oedema.
• Discharged fully recovered after over two weeks of intensive, multidisciplinary care.

Experience at SRCC:

The 14-year-old girl from Nigeria arrived at SRCC Children’s Hospital in a life-threatening condition, with severe symptoms affecting nearly every organ system. Her parents likely faced the immense emotional stress of seeing their child critically ill in a foreign country, battling a disease as dangerous as severe falciparum malaria with multi-organ dysfunction. From the moment of arrival, the hospital’s expert team initiated urgent life-saving treatment — providing a sense of hope amidst fear and uncertainty. As she endured respiratory failure, kidney shutdown, and persistent bleeding, the parents witnessed the intensive efforts of a highly skilled medical team working tirelessly to stabilize and support her. By Day 10, when bleeding stopped and her organs began to recover, the family would have seen the first signs of light in a very dark journey. Her full neurological recovery, despite seizures and cerebral oedema, would have been a tremendous emotional relief for her parents. The day she was discharged — healthy, alert, and smiling — likely marked a moment of immense gratitude and joy for her family. The entire experience reflects not only the girl’s resilience but also the emotional strength of her parents, who entrusted their daughter’s life to a dedicated team far from home.

Voices of Leadership:

Dr. Soonu Udani , Medical Director & Head of Critical Care and Emergency Services at SRCC Children’s Hospital, managed by Narayana Health, commented, “This case underscores the unpredictable severity of falciparum malaria in children. It is a disease that can affect every organ system, and timely, aggressive, and collaborative critical care is crucial. Aesha’s recovery is a remarkable example of what can be achieved with coordinated, evidence-based care.”

Dr. Zubin Pereira, Facility Director at SRCC Children’s Hospital, managed by Narayana Health, added, “On the occasion of World Malaria Day, we are proud to share this story of survival and resilience. It reflects our hospital’s mission to provide world-class, life-saving care to the most vulnerable patients. This outcome is a testament to our team’s skill, compassion, and dedication.”

Residence: Nalasopara, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Medical Case: Thalassemia Major – a genetic blood disorder requiring lifelong transfusions
Age: 16 years
Date of Registration: August 2023
Doctor: Dr. Chintan Vyas

Concerns at time of Registration at SRCC:

• Chronic dependence on monthly blood transfusions
• Severe iron overload due to prolonged transfusions
• No fully HLA-matched donor available in the family
• Need for a high-risk haploidentical (half-matched) bone marrow transplant
• Ongoing preparation for Class 10 board exams—academic disruption risk
• Patient’s physical weakness and fatigue due to chronic illness
• Emotional stress on both patient and single caregiver (mother)
• Financial constraints related to the cost of transplant and medications
• Risk of complications like graft rejection or GVHD post-transplant
• Requirement for iron reduction and pre-transplant conditioning therapy

History:
The patient had a longstanding medical history of Thalassemia Major, managed with regular monthly blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy since infancy.

Milestones:

• Scored 84% in Class 10 board exams, with over 90 marks in Science and Mathematics
• Underwent pre-BMT iron reduction therapy and conditioning treatment
• No full HLA match found; haploidentical BMT planned with mother as donor
• Financial aid secured through hospital social work department and NGO support
• Successfully underwent haploidentical Bone Marrow Transplant
• Discharged in stable condition without major complications or ICU stay
• Now transfusion-free, with haemoglobin level at 13 g/dL, two months post-transplant

Experience at SRCC:

The medical team at SRCC Children’s Hospital, led by Dr. Chintan Vyas and supported by Dr. Zubin Pereira, Facility Director, emphasized that this case exemplified the power of resilience and multidisciplinary care. Dr. Vyas highlighted the complexity of performing a haploidentical bone marrow transplant without a full family match but stressed that with careful preparation and strong patient support, successful outcomes are possible. Throughout the treatment, the patient showed remarkable courage, balancing the demands of a serious medical procedure with his academic goals. His mother, who was his primary caregiver, described the journey as emotionally taxing but deeply rewarding—grateful for the unwavering support from the hospital team and hopeful for her son’s future. Together, their experience underscores the importance of compassionate care, innovative medical solutions, and the strength of the human spirit in overcoming life-threatening illnesses.

Voices of Leadership:

Dr Chintan Vyas

Consultant – Paediatric Haematology, SRCC Children’s Hospital, managed by Narayana Health, Mumbai

“This is not just a clinical success but a story of incredible willpower. He conquered both his board exams and a major medical condition in the same year. It proves that with proper care, even half-matched BMTs can lead to complete recovery in Thalassemia patients. This case highlights a critical message–Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) is a curative option for thalassemia, even in the absence of a full family match, provided the patient is healthy prior to the procedure.”

Dr Zubin Pereira

Facility Director, SRCC Children’s Hospital, managed by Narayana Health, Mumbai

“This case is a shining example of what multidisciplinary care, patient motivation, and medical innovation can achieve. Our team is proud to have played a role in transforming the life of this bright young boy. His story proves that a cure is possible for Thalassemia and that no diagnosis should stand in the way of a child’s dreams.”