Miracle at 24 Weeks: Premature Baby Weighing Just 640 Grams Survives After 90-Day NICU Battle in Delhi

The baby is now six months old and has reached a healthy weight of 6 kilograms.

In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at Fortis Hospital in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi successfully saved a premature infant who was born at just 24 weeks of gestation weighing a mere 640 grams. The tiny baby endured a grueling 90-day battle in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before finally going home. Born 16 weeks before full-term, this infant faced extreme medical challenges that placed him at the very edge of viability. At birth, the newborn displayed no crying and had an alarmingly low heart rate, causing immediate concern among medical professionals.

The medical team at Fortis Vasant Kunj described this survival case as a "micro preemie miracle," acknowledging the overwhelming odds typically faced by infants born so prematurely. Immediately upon birth, a specialized team of pediatricians initiated advanced resuscitation protocols and placed the newborn under intensive care with continuous monitoring to stabilize his precarious condition.

From the beginning, the case presented extreme challenges. The baby's condition was critical, arriving without any crying and showing a dangerously low heart rate. Throughout treatment, the infant battled multiple life-threatening complications including underdeveloped lungs, compromised kidney function, risks of cerebral hemorrhage, susceptibility to infections, and cardiovascular instability. During the first week, the situation became even more concerning when the baby's weight dropped further to just 550 grams.

Under the leadership of Dr. Rahul Nagpal and Dr. Shradha Joshi, the medical team provided intensive round-the-clock care. Treatment included extended ventilator support, meticulous fluid management, and rigorous infection prevention measures. The baby's severely underdeveloped lungs required prolonged advanced respiratory support, with precisely calculated medications administered to sustain vital functions. Additionally, his immature kidneys struggled to function properly, further complicating treatment. Despite these challenges, the neonatal team remained steadfast, employing specialized care protocols to gradually improve his condition.

Dr. Rahul Nagpal, Principal Director & Head of Paediatrics & Neonatology at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, explained: "Survival of newborns at 24 weeks is mere 10-15%, which essentially means that only 1 in 3 premature babies survives. With round-the-clock care, careful fluid management, and strong infection control, we could prevent brain bleeding and infections, which are the most dangerous risks for such small babies. This baby's survival against all odds is a great testimony to what is possible with timely care, precision and teamwork. Each gram of weight gain was a milestone for us, and seeing him go home healthy was a moment of pride for us."

Dr. Shradha Joshi, Senior Consultant in Neonatology at the hospital, noted that the newborn successfully overcame every complication encountered during treatment. She specifically acknowledged the nursing staff's unwavering dedication throughout the recovery process. After spending 90 days in the NICU, the baby was finally discharged weighing 1.8 kilograms. Now at six months of age, he weighs a healthy 6 kilograms and shows normal results in vision, hearing, and brain scan assessments.