Six-year-old Rudra Vyra from Thrissur, Kerala has made a remarkable recovery at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, after battling a rare and life-threatening complication of influenza. Following advanced ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) support and expert medical care, Rudra was discharged, marking the end of a challenging medical journey.
Amrita Hospital successfully treated her after she arrived in critical condition with influenza-myocarditis and cardiac arrest through the swift action and expertise of a multidisciplinary team. Today, she leaves the hospital healthy and smiling, a testament to advanced care and teamwork.
Influenza-myocarditis is a rare but severe complication of influenza, involving inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). Myocarditis, often caused by viral infections, can range from mild, asymptomatic cases to fulminant myocarditis—a life-threatening condition characterized by heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, and sudden cardiac arrest. Cardiovascular complications, including myocarditis, rank as the second most common cause of death associated with influenza.
When the little patient arrived, she required rapid diagnosis and immediate intervention. Amrita’s multidisciplinary team acted swiftly, taking just one hour to plan and implement the life-saving treatment.
Her care involved an expert collaboration between pediatric cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, ICU staff, critical care specialists, perfusionists, the respiratory team, ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) care specialists, and post-ECMO support staff. The patient was placed on ECMO for three days to stabilize her heart and lungs, followed by two days of intensive care.
Dr. Sajith Kesavan, Senior Consultant and Head of Paediatric Pulmonary and Critical Care, shared: “Influenza is not so rare, but having influenza-myocarditis with a rapid deterioration and cardiac arrest is rare. The multidisciplinary team’s quick decision-making and coordinated treatment were instrumental in saving this young girl’s life. Today, seeing her walking home with her parents, healthy and happy, is a testament to teamwork and advanced care.”
As the young patient was discharged, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and technicians who cared for her. In a touching gesture, she celebrated her recovery by cutting a cake and sharing the sweetness with the team and her family.
