Guwahati : When we think of liver problems, we often associate them with adults. But the truth is, liver conditions can affect children too—especially when they are inherited through family genes. These are called genetic liver disorders. Though they may sound worrying, understanding them early and getting the right help can make a big difference in your child’s health and future says Dr. Vikram Kumar, Principal Consultant, Paediatric Liver Transplantation, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Max Hospital, Saket.

What Are Genetic Liver Disorders?

Genetic liver disorders are inherited conditions that affect how a child’s liver functions. They may disrupt the body’s ability to break down substances, produce bile, or remove toxins. Some of the most recognised disorders include Wilson’s disease, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency, and Glycogen storage diseases, Biliary Atresia.

Children affected by these disorders might not display symptoms right away. Some only experience signs as they grow—like persistent jaundice, swelling in the belly, fatigue, poor weight gain, or pale stools. In many cases, parents only discover the issue during routine check-ups or blood tests.

Early Detection Makes All the Difference

The liver is a silent worker. It performs hundreds of essential functions every day—but when it’s not working right, the effects can be serious. If not properly managed, several inherited liver conditions may progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, or require a liver transplant. That’s why early intervention is critical.

With timely diagnosis and expert care, children can be treated successfully—even before symptoms appear. And that brings hope.

Pediatric Liver Treatments That Give Children a Healthier Future

Thanks to advances in pediatric liver care, most genetic liver disorders can now be managed effectively through a combination of:

• Medications that remove toxic build-up or improve bile flow
• Custom diet plans tailored to the child’s condition
• Supplements containing essential vitamins and minerals that help promote healthy growth and support liver function
• Regular monitoring through tests and imaging
• In certain cases, a liver transplant may be recommended, providing a new chance at life for children with serious liver damage

These treatments are not one-size-fits-all—they are personalised. A team of pediatric liver experts will create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific condition, age, and overall health.

What Can Parents Do?

If your child shows signs of liver trouble or if you have a family history of liver disease, talk to a pediatric liver expert. Don’t ignore symptoms like long-term jaundice, poor appetite, or unexplained tiredness. Early screening can be life-changing.

And remember: treatment doesn’t just aim to control the condition—it’s about helping your child live life to the fullest.

Expert Help Is Closer Than You Think

Parents often feel helpless when facing a child’s diagnosis. But with the right information and expert medical care, there’s every reason to feel hopeful. A timely diagnosis, personalised treatment plan, and regular follow-up can make all the difference in your child’s health journey.

In an initiative to bring together leading oncologists from across the country in the fight against Cancer, Max Institute of Cancer Care, Vaishali organized the biggest Oncology event in the region today- ONCO–CON 2025, on the theme “Close the Care Gap”. The two daylong conference witnessed the participation of over 700+ eminent oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and clinicians from across India.

 

ONCO–CON is a high-impact platform for the country’s oncology experts to deliberate on breakthroughs in cancer diagnostics, precision treatment, and multidisciplinary disease management. The event featured focused sessions on Breast, Lung, Gynaecological, GI, Head & Neck, Uro-Oncology, Haematological, and Pediatric cancers, with live debates, case-based discussions, panel interactions, workshops, and poster presentations.

During the event Dr. Harit Chaturvedi, Chairman of Max Institute of Cancer Care said “There was a time when cancer was considered as the end of life for every person, but today we are here discussing the success stories of rare cases of cancer that were treated promptly and how advanced technology like Da Vinci Xi robotic procedures are providing new lease of life to several cancer patients. All of this was made possible due to the several rapid advancements in the field of medical science over the past few years and through this platform, we were able to bring together leading oncologists in this battle against cancer.”

ONCO–CON 2025 also featured focused discussions on various Disease Management Groups (DMGs), enabling multidisciplinary insights into complex cancer cases. A dedicated haematology workshop provided learning experience on current therapeutic strategies. The precision and benefits of the Da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot were demonstrated, while a medical quiz and poster presentation fostered academic engagement among young clinicians.

Dr. Gopal Sharma, Principal Director, Medical Oncology – Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali stated, “ONCO–CON 2025 has served as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when the oncology community & primary care physicians come together. The exchange of ideas, case studies, and new technologies at this forum equips us to deliver more personalized and effective cancer care. As clinicians, we often face complex challenges, and such platforms provide not just academic insight, but also inspiration and collaboration. At Max Institute of Cancer Care, Vaishali we remain committed to driving innovation and teamwork in our shared mission to close the care gap and improve patient outcomes.”

Dr. Gaurav Aggarwal, Executive Vice President & Zonal Head, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali & Lucknow, added, “We are extremely pleased with the accomplishment of ONCO–CON 2025. As the prevalence of Cancer is increasing every year, our healthcare system needs to come together and join hands in order to provide better patient outcomes to those suffering from cancer. This conference has helped us bring together some of the brightest minds in the field of Oncology from across the country and provide them with a unique experience and opportunity to discuss the latest advancements in the field.”

Max Institute of Cancer Care, Vaishali, reaffirmed its commitment to fostering platforms like ONCO–CON annually, aimed at advancing knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaborative progress in the ongoing battle against cancer. As the most advanced cancer centre in the region, the Institute continues to lead the way in introducing and discussing cutting-edge oncology treatments such as robotic surgery, advanced radiation techniques like EDGE 3.0, CAR-T cell therapy, immunotherapy, Tomo-therapy, and more.

Vijayawada, 3rd May, 2025: In critical health emergencies, when ventilators and medications fall short, advanced interventions like ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) become vital. Now, Manipal Hospital Vijayawada has introduced ECMO services, offering a powerful life-saving option and strengthening access to world-class critical care in the region.

What is ECMO?

ECMO is an advanced artificial heart-lung machine that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs, allowing these organs to rest and heal. It is used for patients suffering from severe lung or heart failure, when conventional treatments no longer suffice.

Highlighting its importance, Dr. Srinivas Rao T, Consultant – ICU and Critical Care, said, “ECMO has proven to be a life-saving intervention for patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), severe pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and in critical cases following cardiac surgery. Looking ahead, ECMO is expected to play a crucial role in normothermic regional perfusion — a technique used to preserve organs prior to harvesting for organ transplantation. In this evolving field, Hybrid ECMO is emerging as a promising innovation, combining the benefits of various ECMO modalities to optimize organ preservation and support advanced critical care.”

How does ECMO work?

 Explaining its mechanism, Dr. V Dinesh Kumar Gontla, Consultant – Critical Care, shared, “ECMO has two major parts – the oxygenator and the pump. While the oxygenator emulates the lungs’ blood-purifying functions, the pump is responsible for the heart’s pumping action. With these dual functions, the ECMO acts either as ‘A bridge to recovery’ in patients recovering from acute respiratory or cardiac failure conditions, and ‘A bridge to transplant’ in patients with advanced respiratory or cardiac failure who are undergoing lung or heart transplant.”

There are two types of ECMO:

• VV-ECMO (Veno-Venous): Supports only the lungs, ideal for conditions like ARDS, severe pneumonia, or COVID-19 complications.
• VA-ECMO (Veno-Arterial): Supports both the heart and lungs, used in cardiac arrest, severe heart attacks, or major heart failures.

Precision and Expertise Required

While ECMO may sound simple, its execution is highly complex. Dr. Srinivas Rao emphasized the need for a skilled, multidisciplinary team comprising cardiac surgeons, intensivists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, perfusionists, and specially trained ICU nurses and technicians.

Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, with its state-of-the-art infrastructure and specialized team, is committed to providing this advanced critical care service, giving critically ill patients a stronger chance at survival and recovery.

BENGALURU, India ,2 May 2025: Remidio Innovative Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a leader in ophthalmic technology, has announced that it has received approval from the State FDA, Karnataka (CDSCO), the regulatory authority for medical devices, for its Medios HI (Humanizing Intelligence) Glaucoma AI and Medios HI AMD AI. This approval represents an important advancement in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for early detection of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in diverse healthcare settings.

Following the success of the CDSCO-approved Medios DR HI, AI for diabetic retinopathy, which has impacted nearly 2,50,000 patients in the past year, the newly approved AI solutions for glaucoma and AMD are also designed to function offline. This offline capability allows real-time analysis without relying on internet access, making it useful for providing eye care in remote and underserved areas with limited access to specialized ophthalmic diagnostics.

Medios HI Glaucoma AI exceeds conventional screening methods by analyzing optic nerve head and RNFL structures, generating heat map–based reports to detect early signs of referable glaucoma. This is vital in a country like India, which accounts for 12 million glaucoma patients, nearly one in eight globally. Yet over 90% of these cases remain undiagnosed, often leading to irreversible vision loss. Early detection using portable, AI-enabled tools can drastically change this trajectory.

The Medios HI AMD AI, detects early-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of vision impairment among the elderly. With 2.1% of Indians over age 60 affected, amounting to nearly 6.7 million people at risk, this tool plays a crucial role in enabling timely referrals and preventive care by highlighting lesions with AI generated heat maps.

Medios HI Glaucoma and Medios HI AMD Al has been clinically validated across tertiary hospitals, eye institute and vision centres showcasing high level of sensitivity and specificity. With Medios HI on Remidio’s FOP NM 10, a single tap delivers results for screening AMD, Glaucoma, and DR in few seconds.  Three critical insights, one seamless experience.

Dr. R. Kim, Chief Medical Officer, Senior Medical Consultant, Retina & Vitreous Services Director, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai said “The Remidio fundus camera isn’t just an imaging device; it’s a portable gateway to early detection and prevention of vision-threatening conditions, bringing quality eye care closer to those who need it most” 

Dr Anand Sivaraman, CEO and Founding Director, Remidio said “The CDSCO‘s approval of our Medios HI Glaucoma AI and Medios HI AMD AI builds upon the foundation laid by our Medios HI DR AI, which was the first ophthalmic AI software to receive such approval in India. This achievement has enabled us to screen patients, particularly in underserved regions, bringing early detection and intervention to those who need it most. The success of Medios DR AI has demonstrated the transformative potential of AI in ophthalmology, and with these new approvals, we’re poised to further enhance eye care accessibility and precision across the country.“

Dr Divya Rao, Chief Medical Officer, Remidio added, “These CDSCO approvals are a testament to the clinical rigor and precision that underpins our AI solutions. Both the glaucoma and AMD algorithms have been evaluated through robust prospective studies and have demonstrated strong concordance with specialist diagnosis. What excites us is their ability to bring specialist-grade diagnostics to the primary care level, empowering early intervention, particularly in settings where access to ophthalmologists is limited.”

Sundeep Agarwal, Senior Vice President – Regulatory Affairs & Quality Assurance, Remidio, stated: “Securing CDSCO approvals for our Medios HI Glaucoma AI and AMD AI reflects Remidio’s deep commitment to regulatory rigor and patient safety. Navigating the complexities of AI regulation in India requires not just innovation, but robust documentation, compliance, and quality assurance at every stage. These approvals reaffirm our ability to deliver cutting-edge, regulatory-compliant solutions that meet the highest national standards, ensuring safe and scalable adoption in diverse healthcare settings.“

Remidio’s AI-powered solutions are integrated with its portable fundus imaging devices, facilitating seamless deployment in various clinical settings. The offline capability ensures that healthcare providers can conduct screenings without reliance on internet infrastructure, making it feasible to implement these solutions in rural and resource-limited environments.

With these approvals, Remidio continues to lead in the development of AI-driven ophthalmic diagnostics, aiming to bridge the gap in eye care delivery and contribute to the global effort in combating vision impairment.

Rohit (name changed), a 39-year-old professional in the automotive industry, never imagined that a routine company health checkup could change his life. As a tee-totaler who stays active and has no family history of any lifestyle diseases, he always considered himself healthy. Checkups had been regular before, and this one appeared to be no different—until he received an unusual call from the hospital asking him to see a doctor. He thought it was nothing major and postponed the appointment because he was busy with work.

Several weeks later, he was shocked to hear from his family doctor that his results revealed kidney cancer, which was completely different from what he had ever thought. He was directed to Dr. Ankit Sharma, Consultant – Urology, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, who did a contrast CT scan to confirm the diagnosis. Renal cancer is usually treated with surgery that removes the whole kidney or a big portion of it, usually through a wide abdominal incision. This procedure can significantly affect how a person functions in day to day activities.

However, Dr. Ankit Sharma had a different approach. A minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure was possible due to the tumor’s early detection and relatively small size.  Instead of removing the entire kidney, only the affected portion could be excised while preserving the organ’s function. Rohit underwent a laparoscopic left partial nephrectomy and was discharged within 48 hours. Due to the minimal incisions, he recovered quickly and was able to return to work within a few days. He still has no reccurence six months after surgery.

Regular health checkup plays an important role in identifying hidden health issues before they worsen. Many diseases, including cancers or heart conditions, progress slowly without any noticeable symptoms. These medical conditions could go undiagnosed until they require complex and life-altering treatments if screening is not conducted promptly. Early detection helps doctors to take appropriate action, which can lead to minimally invasive procedures and more successful treatment. It gives a higher quality of life while increasing survival rates.

May 1, 2025: Rasayanam, India’s leading wellness brand, introduces the Glow Pack, a powerhouse blend of beauty and wellness that supports hair strength, skin radiance, and overall vitality from within. This transformative duo features Liquid Biotin + Collagen and Pure Amla Juice, designed to simplify your daily routine while delivering visible results.

Crafted with premium ingredients, the Glow Pack combines two essential formulations:

Liquid Biotin + Collagen: A vegan-friendly, highly absorbable liquid that supports hair growth, skin elasticity, and nail strength. Biotin derived from Sesbania agati and collagen from Soya make it vegetarian-approved and effective in boosting natural beauty.

Pure Amla Juice: Cold-pressed from premium Francis amla, this juice delivers 2X Vitamin C, helping to boost immunity and brighten skin naturally while balancing Pitta dosha for holistic wellness.

Key Benefits of the Glow Pack:

Thicker, stronger hair with reduced hair fall

Improved skin elasticity and a visible glow

Strengthened nails and radiant complexion

Boosted immunity with natural Vitamin C

Enhanced collagen production and nutrient absorption

Balanced Pitta dosha for inner harmony

“Glow Pack is more than a beauty product—it’s a wellness solution designed to nourish your body from the inside out,” says Ayush Aggarwal, Founder of Rasayanam. “We’ve combined two potent, natural formulations to help users achieve a healthier, more radiant version of themselves—effortlessly and naturally.”

This unique blend simplifies your wellness routine while delivering maximum efficacy, purity, and absorption—making it a must-have in every beauty-conscious household.

Hyderabad, 30^th April, 2025 – ekincare, India’s leading AI-powered integrated digital health gateway, announces the raising of a strategic, undisclosed investment led by global healthcare leader MSD (tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA) through MSD IDEA Studio Asia Pacific, an initiative by the MSD Global Health Innovation Fund (MGHIF). The round also saw participation from ekincare’s existing investor, HealthQuad, a venture capital fund focused on healthcare innovation. This investment round will empower ekincare to advance its mission of revolutionizing corporate primary and preventive healthcare through AI-driven, personalized Outpatient Department (OPD) solutions.

Founded in 2015 by Kiran Kalakuntla, Co-Founder & CEO, Srikanth Samudrala, Co-Founder & CTO, Noel Coutinho, Co-Founder & CBO, ekincare has emerged as a leader in integrated digital health solutions. The platform leverages AI, data analytics, and telemedicine to make preventive healthcare more personalized and accessible. Since its inception, ekincare has partnered with over 1,000 companies and built a network of 40,000+ healthcare providers across India.

“Healthcare in India is at a turning point. Lifestyle diseases are on the rise, demand for preventive care is growing, and digital solutions are becoming a necessity. This investment from MSD IDEA Studio, with continued support from HealthQuad, is a visionary step forward for us. Their expertise in medicines, vaccines, and digital health, combined with our AI-driven, customer-centric approach, will help us deliver seamless, personalized healthcare to millions”, said Kiran Kalakuntla, Co-founder & CEO of ekincare.

With this investment, ekincare aims to expand its cashless OPD network and enhance AI-powered analytics to drive better preventive care, chronic disease management, and employee wellness outcomes. Over the last five years, from 2020 to 2025, ekincare has grown its corporate client base tenfold as organizations increasingly recognize the value of preventive health benefits, expanded the range of services and benefits offered by four-fold to address diverse healthcare requirements, increased its network coverage by six times to improve accessibility and reach, and onboarded 11x more healthcare and wellness partners to deliver integrated, end-to-end care solutions. This sustained growth reflects the company’s deep commitment to building a future-ready, scalable healthcare infrastructure that meets the demands of India’s evolving healthcare ecosystem.

“We see strong potential in our investment in ekincare to accelerate the shift toward personalised and preventive healthcare in India by harnessing the power of technology for both individuals and enterprises,” said Saumick Pal, Head of Digital, Data Analytics & Innovation, MSD Asia Pacific. He added, “India’s vibrant start-up ecosystem is not only growing rapidly but also redefining healthcare through bold innovation and entrepreneurial energy. At MSD, we are committed to expanding access to high-quality care, and investments in platforms like ekincare reflect our belief that scalable, tech-enabled solutions can make healthcare more proactive, affordable, and inclusive. We look forward to supporting visionary start-ups like ekincare that are reshaping the future of health in India by making it more accessible.”

HealthQuad, a leading healthcare-focused venture capital fund, has been instrumental in supporting health-tech startups transforming the Indian healthcare landscape. Ajay Mahipal, Partner at HealthQuad, said, “ekincare’s AI-powered platform is at the forefront of digital health innovation. Our investment will support their mission of integrating preventive care into the everyday lives of individuals and enterprises, enhancing affordability and access to quality healthcare.”

 

Bengaluru – A 33 week pregnant lady with foetal distress was admitted and delivered a preterm baby in a private hospital. But, the newborn started facing breathing difficulty, and was immediately referred to Sakra World Hospital for further diagnosis of the newborn. The infant weighed only 2.18 kg at birth.

The breathing difficulty was due to a huge swelling inside the abdomen, which was compressing on the lungs. The baby was put on ventilator support and on evaluation it was found to be an intra-abdominal tumor, but the origin of it was not clear. Therefore, Dr. Anil Kumar Pura Lingegowda, HOD & Senior Consultant – Paediatric Surgery; Dr. Shruthi Reddy, Consultant Hepato-Biliary Pancreatic and Liver Transplant Surgeon; Dr Shishir Chandrashekhar, Director & HOD – Anaesthesia & OT Management; and, Dr. Shivakumar Sambargi, Senior Consultant- Pediatrics & Neonatology of Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, decided to perform surgery on the baby to remove the swelling because of its pressure effect on vital organs.

Dr. Anil shared, “The swelling was arising from the left lobe of the liver and occupying 70% of the abdominal cavity, that is the size of the tumour was 10*8*7 cm. But the challenge was to perform resection of the tumor, which was very risky for a 3–day–old, 2 kg preterm baby because of bleeding and low weight of the baby.”

Dr. Anil added, “The intra-operative phase posed a significant challenge, particularly due to the need for massive blood transfusion, which was managed by Dr. Shishir Chandrashekhar and his team. Additionally, the tumor resection from the liver was successfully performed with the expertise of liver transplant surgeon Dr. Shruti Reddy.”

Dr. Shruthi Reddy, Consultant Hepato-Biliary Pancreatic and Liver Transplant Surgeon, shared, “Liver surgeries are no longer formidable like it was a few decades ago. Tumour resections or transplants during extremes of age like this newborn baby or an elderly person are much safer now with the recent advances in surgical technology and techniques. Caregivers should keep an open mind if such surgeries are offered by an expert. The trust afforded in us by the parents of this baby enabled us to save the baby’s life”.

The post-operative period was equally challenging, requiring careful management to maintain homeostasis. The neonatology team, led by Dr. Shivkumar Sambargi, provided exceptional care to save the child.

Dr. Shivakumar Sambargi, Senior Consultant- Pediatrics & Neonatology, shared, “The tumor was identified as a mesenchymal hamartoma, a rare occurrence in neonates, with complete excision being the definitive cure. This is usually discovered in infancy, mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver (MHL) is a rare, benign developing tumour in infants that has a mixture of solid and cystic areas. After infantile haemangioma, it is the second most frequent benign liver tumour in children.”

Dr Shishir Chandrashekhar, Director & HOD – Anaesthesia & OT Management, shared, “Managing anesthesia and blood transfusion in such a tiny newborn was extremely challenging, but our team ensured the baby remained stable throughout the procedure.”

“Notably, there are no reported cases worldwide of liver tumor resection in a 3–day–old preterm baby weighing just 2 kg. And the operating process should always be carried out in a well-equipped centre under expert supervision,” said Dr. Anil.

Ms. Sunitha (Name Changed) shared, “I’m truly grateful to Dr. Anil and team for curing my baby. He explained the case and procedure, which made us have faith in him, and now my baby is recovering healthy.”