GANGRENE IN INTESTINE SEEN IN INFANT DUE TO COVID-19

Gangrene has been found in the small intestine of a new born child in Kakinada, whose both parents had been asymptomatic carriers of Covid-19 virus.

Within 24 hours of the child being born, the baby developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Paediatricians scanned its abdomen to find gangrene in the small intestine. Surgery has been carried and the defective part removed.

Paediatricians in Hyderabad say that it could be one of the rare cases of lowered cell immunity due to Coronavirus or an undetected defect which has been missed.

The case has been recorded and will be submitted to the Indian Academy of Paediatrics once the child recovers completely.

Due to cases of intestinal gangrene observed in adults after recovery from Coronavirus in Rajkot, Gujarat, medical fraternity has been alert. The baby’s case in Kakinada thus has attracted attention.

Doctors questioned the couple as congenital disorders could also lead to formation of gangrene in children. They found that the couple suffered from Covid-19. Due to her advanced stage of pregnancy, doctors monitored her online. The young woman delivered the child 20 days later.

The baby’s case is a very rare event. But it has been observed in a few cases in the past.

● WITHIN 24 hours of the child being born, the baby developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Paediatricians scanned its abdomen to find gangrene in the small intestine.

● DOCTORS QUESTIONED the couple as congenital disorders could also lead to formation of gangrene in children. They found that the couple suffered from Covid-19.