logo
Born At 6 Months, Just 700 Grams: Bihar Twins' Miracle Survival Story Stuns Doctors

Born At 6 Months, Just 700 Grams: Bihar Twins' Miracle Survival Story Stuns Doctors

News1819-06-2025
Last Updated:
According to officials at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Begusarai Sadar Hospital, the infants were brought in by their desperate father after being turned away elsewhere
In what doctors are calling a rare miracle, a pair of premature twins born at just six months and weighing less than a kilogram have survived after being refused treatment by multiple hospitals in Patna. The remarkable story of courage, persistence, and medical determination has unfolded at the Sadar Hospital in Begusarai, Bihar.
According to officials at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Begusarai Sadar Hospital, the infants were brought in by their desperate father after being turned away elsewhere. The twins, one weighing just 700 grams and the other around 800 grams, were born prematurely to a woman identified as Komal (name changed) in Patna. The premature delivery, which occurred before the completion of the sixth month of pregnancy, left the infants fighting for life with virtually no chance of survival.
Doctors at several hospitals in the state capital reportedly told the family that there was no possibility of saving the babies. Refusing to give up, the family recalled hearing of a neonatologist named Dr Krishna Kumar in Begusarai, known locally for his work in newborn care. In a last-ditch effort, they travelled over 120 kilometres to reach him.
The infants were admitted to the SNCU under the care of Dr Kumar, who began immediate intensive care treatment. Against all odds, both newborns responded to the medical support. The doctor confirmed that while the children arrived in extremely critical condition, they are now out of immediate danger and have started responding to breast milk feeding. The next few weeks remain crucial, but signs are positive.
'Saving babies born at just 24 weeks is an immense challenge anywhere in the world," Dr Kumar told Local 18. The babies came with extremely low birth weights and underdeveloped organs, but with the right care and continuous monitoring, there is hope, he said.
The case has brought unexpected attention to Begusarai's Sadar Hospital, often overlooked in Bihar's overburdened health system. Officials say this success reflects both a family's relentless faith and the quiet improvements in neonatal care being made in district hospitals.
Sushil Kumar, the infants' father, attributes their survival to divine will and human perseverance. 'We were shattered when every hospital told us there was no hope. But something kept us going. Dr Krishna Kumar and his team gave our children a second chance at life," he said with tears in his eyes.
The twins will remain in the SNCU under observation for another few weeks. If all continues to progress well, doctors say they could be declared fully healthy by the end of three months, a remarkable feat for babies born so early.
Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
First Published:
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Deadly fungus threatens endangered Western Ghats tree
Deadly fungus threatens endangered Western Ghats tree

The Hindu

time9 hours ago

  • The Hindu

Deadly fungus threatens endangered Western Ghats tree

Scientists have sounded the alarm on a newly detected fungal disease attacking Dipterocarpus bourdillonii, a critically endangered tree endemic to the Western Ghats. The phytopathogen, Corynespora cassiicola, a highly aggressive fungus, is known to infect more than 530 plant species. The findings by Shambhu Kumar (Principal Scientist and Head, Forest Pathology Department, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi), along with Raghvendra Singh (Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University, has been published in June 17th edition of Mycosphere journal. This marks the first recorded instance of the pathogen affecting D. bourdillonii, raising serious conservation concerns. The was identified based on morpho-cultural characteristics and molecular phylogenetic evidence. Detection of the emerging leaf spot and blight disease affecting Dipterocarpus bourdillonii highlight the urgent need for disease surveillance and integrated conservation strategies to protect one of Western Ghat's most vulnerable rainforest trees. 'Dipterocarpus bourdillonii (family: Dipterocarpaceae) is a critically endangered tree species listed on the IUCN Red List. Endemic to the Western Ghats of India, it plays a vital ecological role in maintaining rainforest canopy structure and supporting biodiversity. Economically, its hardwood is valued for construction and furniture, while its oleoresin (wood oil) has traditional medicinal and industrial uses. Due to overexploitation and habitat loss, the species already faces severe threats. The emergence of this additional biotic threat further underscores the urgent need for conservation measures to protect and restore its dwindling population,' Mr. Kumar said. The investigation of Corynespora cassiicola infecting Dipterocarpus bourdillonii in Kerala using morpho-molecular tools is of significant importance. Molecular identification ensures accurate pathogen detection, overcoming the limitations of morphology-based methods, and facilitates early diagnosis and monitoring. This study is crucial for understanding the disease's epidemiology, guiding effective disease management strategies, and safeguarding this threatened species. Additionally, it contributes to forest health surveillance and supports both ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts, Mr. Kumar pointed out. Corynespora cassiicola is a widespread phytopathogen causing leaf spots, target spots, and blight diseases in a wide range of plant species, including economically important crops such as rubber, soybean, tomato, cucumber, cotton, as well as medicinal and ornamental plants. It thrives in warm, humid climates and spreads through conidia (spores produced by fungi) via wind, water, and human activity. The pathogen impairs photosynthesis, leading to defoliation, reduced yield, and plant death in severe cases. Management of the pathogen involves the use of resistant cultivars, cultural practices (e.g., proper spacing and removal of infected parts), and fungicides such as mancozeb and azoxystrobin. Early detection and integrated disease management are vital to minimising its impact and preventing outbreaks, noted Mr. Kumar.

On weight loss drugs, my patient had cramps and fatigue: Here are 5 ways to deal with muscle loss
On weight loss drugs, my patient had cramps and fatigue: Here are 5 ways to deal with muscle loss

Indian Express

time3 days ago

  • Indian Express

On weight loss drugs, my patient had cramps and fatigue: Here are 5 ways to deal with muscle loss

Mr Kumar, 42, had been taking the weight loss drug semaglutide for some time because his blood sugar level had been spiralling out of control while his body weight stood stubbornly at 98 kg, a weight cliff from which he couldn't get off. No amount of exercise and diet was helping him. But although his weight started dipping, he exhibited signs of muscle loss. He had cramps, lost balance, muscle twitches, all signs that his core muscle mass was beginning to get wasted. Muscle loss is common among those on GLP-1 receptor agonists — like semaglutide or liraglutide — which mimic gut hormones to regulate blood sugar and hunger pangs, thereby reducing calorie intake and body weight. But along with fat loss, some individuals also lose lean body mass, which includes muscle. That's something we need to watch carefully. Why is muscle loss a problem? Isn't any weight loss good? Not necessarily. Muscle is crucial for your metabolism, strength, balance and overall health. Losing too much muscle can reduce your energy levels, increase fatigue and even raise your risk of falls or injuries later in life. Also, muscle helps burn calories, so losing it could actually slow down your metabolism and make long-term weight maintenance harder. Is this more serious for Indians? Many Indians naturally have lower muscle mass due to genetic and lifestyle factors. This is sometimes called the 'thin-fat' body type. Even if we look slim, we may carry more fat and less muscle, especially around the abdominal area. So, preserving muscle becomes even more important during weight loss. How can you make sure you lose only fat, not muscle? There are three main steps to follow: Prioritise Protein: Ensure you're eating enough protein — around 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kg of ideal body weight. Include high-quality sources like eggs, dairy, dals, legumes, paneer, tofu, chicken or fish. Try to have a source of protein in every meal. Incorporate Strength Training: At least two to three times a week, do some form of resistance training—this could be lifting weights, using resistance bands or doing bodyweight exercises like squats and push-ups. This helps signal your body to retain and build muscle even while losing weight. Regular Monitoring: If possible, do a body composition analysis every few months to check if your muscle mass is being preserved. If muscle loss is seen, your exercise and diet plan can be adjusted accordingly. Balanced diet: While you need a calorie deficit to lose weight, avoid drastic calorie restriction, as this can lead to muscle loss. Focus on a balanced diet with adequate protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to support overall health and muscle maintenance. Get adequate sleep: Sleep regulates your hunger hormones, metabolism and is the best way for muscle synthesis. Relying only on the medicine is not enough The medication helps reduce hunger and supports weight loss, especially when lifestyle changes are difficult. But to make the weight loss healthy and sustainable, you need to combine it with good nutrition and exercise. The goal is not just to lose kilos—but to gain health, strength, and confidence in the process. (Dr Mohan is Chairman, Dr Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Chennai)

Found in a bag on train, newborn Veer getting better, finds 40 prospective families
Found in a bag on train, newborn Veer getting better, finds 40 prospective families

Hindustan Times

time3 days ago

  • Hindustan Times

Found in a bag on train, newborn Veer getting better, finds 40 prospective families

More than 40 families were eager to adopt a newborn boy who was found in a bag in an AC coach of the Patna-Chandigarh Special Train on June 22, Moradabad district probation officer SP Gautam said. After surviving extreme neglect and battling for life in a hospital, the infant—now lovingly named Veer by the hospital staff—is showing signs of recovery. (For representation) On June 22, the infant boy was rushed to the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) at the Women's Hospital in Moradabad. Doctors say Veer was initially placed on CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) due to severe breathing difficulties caused by oxygen deprivation. He had been trapped in the bag for nearly 10 hours, which had led to hypoxia—a condition that could have been fatal had he not received timely medical care. Women's Hospital chief medical superintendent (CMS) Dr. Nirmala Pathak said, 'The child's respiratory rate was abnormally high.' Veer was kept on CPAP support for 72 hours and later shifted to standard oxygen support. As his condition improved, oxygen support was gradually withdrawn, and he was now breathing freely, she added. However, Veer still faced difficulty in feeding and was being nourished via IV drips. 'First, he survived for hours in a bag, and then he fought for his life in the ICU. He truly deserves the name Veer (which means brave),' said a staff member. Once Veer gets better completely, he will be handed over to Childline, a government-supported child welfare organisation. Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities were actively looking for people who had abandoned the child. Railway Protection Force (RPF) commandant Utkarsh Narayan confirmed that a SIM card was also recovered from the bag in which the baby was found. In another case of abandonment and eventual adoption, an infant girl who was found in the bushes near Gagan Tiraha in Mainather on the eve of Dhanteras last year, has found a home. Lakshmi had been grievously injured by stray dogs, with deep wounds on her hip. She spent nearly six weeks at the SNCU of the Women's Hospital. The girl has been adopted by a doctor couple from Chennai.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store