Newborns Under Threat from Rising Temperatures in Rajasthan, Says Study

Rising temperatures in Rajasthan’s Marwar region are adversely affecting the kidneys and brains of newborns, leading to dehydration and an increased risk of blood clots. This alarming trend was highlighted in recent research by SN Medical College (Departments of Medicine, Pediatric Neurology, and Radiology), Bathinda AIIMS, and Aston University in the UK.

The study revealed that while the general risk of blood clots in newborns was 2-3 per 100, this figure dramatically rose to 16 out of 100 in western Rajasthan due to extreme heat and dehydration. Dr Manish Parikh, a pediatrician involved in the study, noted that 50-60% of infants were showing complications related to brain health, which could result in conditions like epilepsy and paralysis.

The research included 74 infants suffering from kidney issues and neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, alongside symptoms of lethargy and irritability. Many of these infants were being brought to hospitals in critical condition due to kidney damage caused by dehydration. Dr Parikh emphasised that while kidney problems are often prioritised in treatment, brain issues frequently go unnoticed.

Additionally, the report indicated that affected infants might experience speech delays, intellectual disabilities, and seizures by age 5 if they did not receive adequate medical care. The research team recommended conducting brain MRIs during the summer months to identify potential blood clots in the brain.

To mitigate risks for infants, Bhanu Pratap Rathore, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, urged pregnant women to attend regular medical checkups before and after delivery.