Pregnant Woman Recovers After Dexamethasone Reaction in Navi Mumbai

A pregnant woman, Richa Mishra, 26, has recovered after suffering a severe reaction to a steroid injection at a Navi Mumbai hospital. She was administered Dexamethasone at the NMMC-run Rajmata Jijau Hospital, which is also being investigated for the death of another expectant mother, Sonam Dongre.

Mishra, who was 34 weeks pregnant, was discharged from Fortis Hiranandani Hospital on July 13 after nearly two weeks of intensive treatment for life-threatening anaphylactic shock. She had developed severe breathlessness, lost consciousness, and went into circulatory collapse within 30 minutes of receiving the injection.

The NMMC has suspended the treating gynaecologist pending the investigation into Dongre's death. Both women had been admitted to Rajmata Jijau Hospital with symptoms of possible preterm labour and were administered Dexamethasone, a steroid routinely used to accelerate foetal lung development when premature delivery is anticipated.

At Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Mishra was treated by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Hina Shaikh, Consultant – Gynaecology and Obstetrics. Doctors closely monitored both the mother and the unborn baby throughout her treatment.

According to Dr Shaikh, the immediate priority was to stabilise the mother while continuously assessing the condition of the foetus. Serial foetal monitoring, ultrasonography, Doppler studies and non-stress tests remained reassuring, which allowed the doctors to continue the pregnancy under close observation instead of proceeding with an emergency delivery.

Over the following days, Mishra's condition steadily improved. She was gradually weaned off the ventilator and blood pressure support, shifted out of the ICU on July 8, and discharged in stable condition on July 13. Doctors have advised regular antenatal follow-up, with delivery expected within the next two to three weeks unless an earlier delivery becomes medically necessary.

The hospital has also documented a suspected allergy to Dexamethasone and advised the family to avoid the drug in future. Mishra's husband expressed gratitude that his wife and unborn baby are now safe.

Dr Ashutosh Pandey, Facility Director at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, said that managing a life-threatening emergency in an advanced stage of pregnancy requires speed, clinical precision and close coordination.

The incident highlights the importance of careful medical attention and monitoring during pregnancy, especially when administering medications like Dexamethasone. The NMMC's investigation into the death of Sonam Dongre is ongoing, and the suspension of the treating gynaecologist pending the investigation is a step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in medical care.

The recovery of Richa Mishra is a positive outcome, and her case will likely contribute to a better understanding of the risks and benefits associated with Dexamethasone administration during pregnancy. As the investigation into the incident continues, it is essential for medical professionals and patients to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure safe and effective medical care.

In the context of Navi Mumbai's healthcare system, this incident underscores the need for continuous monitoring and improvement of medical services, particularly in maternity care. The NMMC's efforts to investigate the incident and take corrective action are crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.

In conclusion, the recovery of Richa Mishra after a severe reaction to Dexamethasone is a significant development, and the ongoing investigation into the incident will likely have implications for medical practice and patient care in Navi Mumbai. As the city's healthcare system continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize patient safety, transparency, and accountability to ensure that residents receive high-quality medical care,