Paras Health Srinagar discharges preterm twins managing them without IVs, antibiotics
Srinagar, Oct 4: Paras Health Srinagar successfully discharged a pair of premature twins who were managed entirely without intravenous (IV) fluids or antibiotics, a rare achievement in the region.
A statement of the Paras issued here said that the twins, born preterm with one weighing just 1 kilogram at birth, were admitted to Paras Health Srinagar’s advanced Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Rather than following the conventional approach of IV lines, fluids, and antibiotics, the medical team employed the Early Total Enteral Feeding (ETEF) protocol, an internationally recognised method in which newborns are started on exclusive mother’s milk from the very first day of life.
Both infants not only tolerated the feeds exceptionally well but also exhibited steady weight gain, maintained stable vital signs throughout their hospital stay, and were ultimately discharged in robust health, entirely free of complications. This remarkable outcome highlights the efficacy of evidence-based, minimally invasive neonatal care, even for extremely low-birth-weight preterm infants.
Dr Sajad Ahmad Bhat, Consultant Paediatrics and Neonatology and NICU In-Charge at Paras Health Srinagar, said, "This is the first instance of its kind for our NICU, and possibly for the region. Managing extremely fragile preterm infants without IV lines or antibiotics requires meticulous planning, strict infection control, and adherence to evidence-based feeding protocols. The success of these twins demonstrates that natural growth through exclusive mother’s milk, combined with precise neonatal care, can yield excellent outcomes even in high-risk newborns. Delivering this level of care locally means families no longer have to travel outside the region for advanced neonatal treatments, and our team’s experience highlights the potential of evidence-driven protocols to transform neonatal outcomes across Kashmir."
The ETEF approach is widely acknowledged for reducing complications, improving weight gain, and minimizing exposure to hospital-acquired infections. By avoiding unnecessary IV fluids and antibiotics, Paras Health Srinagar not only lowered risks for the twins but also reinforced a shift towards more natural, baby-centric neonatal care in the Valley. This milestone underscores Paras Health Srinagar’s ongoing commitment to raising healthcare standards in the region. With advanced infrastructure, highly skilled clinicians, and adherence to global best practices, the hospital is emerging as a center of excellence in neonatal and pediatric care.
The healthy discharge of these preterm twins not only brings immense relief and joy to their family but also sets a precedent for modern, baby-friendly protocols in Kashmir, inspiring wider adoption of progressive neonatal practices across the Valley.
