Max Hospital Gives New Lease of Life to 17MonthOld Child from Fatehgarh Sahib

Fatehgarh Sahib: Recently, Omansh Vashishth, a 17-month-old child from Fatehgarh Sahib, was given a new lease of life after successfully undergoing treatment for a rare autoimmune disease at Max Hospital, Mohali.
The child was initially admitted to the hospital exhibiting symptoms of a severe intestinal infection; subsequently, he was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune blood disorder known as 'Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia' (AIHA).
He was admitted to Max Hospital after suffering from bloody diarrhea for 10 days and a high fever for five days. Upon arrival, he was extremely pale, dehydrated, and jaundiced. His hemoglobin level was alarmingly low, requiring immediate medical attention. His initial symptoms had pointed towards a severe intestinal infection.
Following a detailed evaluation, a team of pediatricians led by Dr. Manu Sharma, Principal Consultant in the Department of Pediatrics, diagnosed the child with AIHA. This is a rare condition estimated to affect approximately two out of every million children under the age of 20 annually. In this disease, the body's immune system mistakenly begins to destroy its own red blood cells.
The child was immediately started on blood transfusions, antibiotics, and medications to control the abnormal immune response. He received four blood transfusions during the course of treatment, and his hemoglobin levels gradually improved.
The child recovered well, returned to normal activities, and was discharged in stable condition after an eight-day hospital stay. Dr. Sharma said, "Greater awareness among parents and healthcare providers regarding persistent symptoms, unexplained fatigue, and severe anemia can play a crucial role in ensuring timely diagnosis and preventing complications of AIHA."