PMCH Doctors Defeat Life-Threatening Infection, Give New Life to a 40-Year-Old Patient

Udaipur: The growing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics has emerged as a serious global challenge in modern medicine. However, with timely and accurate diagnosis, advanced technology, and tireless efforts of ICU teams, even patients on the brink of death can be saved. One such remarkable case has been reported at Pacific Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), where the team led by Dr. Chetan Goyal and Dr. Sunil Kumar successfully treated a 40-year-old patient suffering from a rare and extremely dangerous infection, giving him a new lease on life. Dr. Ibrahim and the ICU staff also played a crucial role in the patient’s recovery.

### Patient Admitted in Critical Condition

The 40-year-old patient had been suffering from long-standing uncontrolled diabetes and tuberculosis. He was brought to PMCH in a critical condition with severe breathing difficulty. Upon examination, Dr. Sunil Kumar from the Chest and TB Department found that the patient was suffering from severe metabolic acidosis. The level of ketones in his blood was extremely high, and his blood pH had dropped to 7.01, which is considered medically life-threatening. Such a low pH level significantly reduces the chances of survival.

Treating the patient was nothing short of a challenge. Doctors initiated treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, vasopressors (to maintain blood pressure), and NIV support. Adequate fluid resuscitation was also administered to correct dehydration. Despite these efforts, the patient’s respiratory system continued to deteriorate. Sensing the worsening condition, doctors took an immediate decision to intubate the patient and place him on ventilator support.

### BioFire Test Revealed the Hidden Threat

Critical Care Specialist Dr. Chetan Goyal explained that to conduct an in-depth examination of the lungs, a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) procedure was performed. This diagnostic technique involves introducing saline into the lungs and retrieving it to detect infection, inflammation, or abnormal cells. The sample was sent for BioFire testing and culture sensitivity analysis.

The BioFire test confirmed the presence of VRSA (Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)—a highly dangerous bacterium that had become resistant even to powerful antibiotics such as Vancomycin and Teicoplanin, which are generally considered last-resort drugs. In this case, these medicines proved completely ineffective, highlighting a frightening example of drug-resistant organisms spreading in the community.

### Advanced Antibiotics Gave a New Lease on Life

Refusing to give up, Dr. Chetan Goyal and Dr. Sunil Kumar immediately revised the treatment strategy. When conventional drugs failed, the patient was started on advanced antibiotics such as Linezolid and Ceftaroline. As the patient required prolonged ventilator support, doctors decided to perform a tracheostomy, a decision that proved to be crucial.

Gradually, the patient’s condition began to improve. The infection started subsiding, and his lungs slowly regained function. The doctors’ relentless efforts paid off. The patient is now stable and breathing on a T-piece. His tracheostomy tube is expected to be removed soon, after which he will be discharged from the hospital.

### A Triumph of Timely Decisions and Teamwork

Chairman Mr. Rahul Agrawal stated that at one point, the patient’s family had almost lost hope, but today the patient is preparing to stand on his own feet again. This success, he emphasized, is not just a victory of medicines but a result of timely clinical decisions, advanced diagnostics, and exceptional coordination of the ICU team.

This case clearly demonstrates that even in the most challenging medical conditions, lives can be saved when the right actions are taken at the right time.