Paediatrics

Paediatric Surgery

This service was started in 1974. Complex surgical conditions in newborn babies and children are performed with excellent results. The Paediatric Surgery Department at GKNM Hospital is a key component of the institution’s quaternary care paediatric programme, offering comprehensive surgical care for infants, children, and adolescents. Established as part of the Child Care Hospital, this department manages a broad spectrum of congenital and acquired surgical conditions with modern techniques and multidisciplinary support. GKNM’s Pediatric Care services include specialised outpatient consultation, inpatient surgical care, and intensive post-operative support for complex cases. 

The Paediatric Surgery Department at GKNM Hospital is a key component of the institution’s quaternary care paediatric programme, offering comprehensive surgical care for infants, children, and adolescents. Established as part of the hospital’s paediatrics services, this department manages a broad spectrum of congenital and acquired surgical conditions with modern techniques and multidisciplinary support. GKNM’s paediatric services include specialised outpatient consultation, inpatient surgical care, and intensive post-operative support for complex cases

The department manages a wide range of paediatric surgical conditions. While specific procedural lists are not publicly itemised on the hospital site, the clinical expertise and surgical capabilities can be described broadly as follows:

1. Neonatal and Congenital Surgery

Surgical care for newborns with congenital anomalies, often requiring early intervention after birth or soon thereafter, including:

• Congenital abdominal wall defects (for example, gastroschisis or omphalocele)

• Congenital diaphragmatic anomalies

• Neonatal intestinal atresias and other GI obstructions

These procedures demand specialised neonatal anaesthesia and post-operative care, available within the integrated neonatal and paediatric intensive care units.

2. Minimally Invasive and Advanced Techniques

The department has expertise in laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery, enabling less invasive correction for a variety of conditions, such as:

• Abdominal and thoracic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures

• Minimally invasive urological surgery

• Endoscopic evaluations where indicated

Consultants such as Dr. G. Rajamani provide advanced skills in paediatric laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, and paediatric urology, enhancing the department’s ability to perform complex procedures with smaller incisions and faster recovery.

3. Paediatric Urology

Surgical procedures related to the urinary and reproductive systems in children include:

• Hypospadias repair

• Correction of undescended testes

• Endourological management of congenital urological issues

• Vesico-ureteric reflux and related conditions

Such procedures are performed by paediatric surgeons trained in endourology and reconstructive techniques.

4. Soft Tissue and General Paediatric Surgery

This includes the treatment of common surgical problems in children, such as:

• Hernia repairs (inguinal, umbilical, etc.)

• Excision of benign tumours or lumps

• Management of cystic masses and soft tissue lesions

• Appendectomies for acute appendicitis (laparoscopic or open)

Although these general procedures are common across paediatric surgery, GKNM’s integration with state-of-the-art surgical suites and anaesthesia support ensures safe routine and emergency care.

5. Trauma and Emergency Surgical Care

Children presenting with trauma or acute surgical emergencies (such as perforations, foreign body ingestion requiring surgical retrieval, or blunt trauma) are managed both surgically and in coordination with paediatric critical care units.

6. Multidisciplinary Complex Care

Where surgical conditions intersect with other subspecialties, such as paediatric cardiology, neurology, or oncology, the department collaborates in integrated care plans. For example:

• Complex congenital heart disease corrections in collaboration with paediatric cardiothoracic surgery

• Surgical management of tumours as part of multidisciplinary oncology care

This multidisciplinary approach supports comprehensive care tailored to the child’s overall health needs.

Clinical Support and Infrastructure

The Paediatric Surgery Department operates within GKNM’s larger paediatric care framework, supported by:

• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

• Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

• Dedicated paediatric anaesthesia services for surgical and perioperative support

• Multidisciplinary clinical teams across paediatric subspecialities including endocrinology, pulmonology, neurology, and infectious diseases

These facilities ensure comprehensive perioperative and post-operative care tailored to children’s physiological needs.

Paediatric cardiology

• A dedicated paediatric cardiology programme was started in 2007 Since then, our hospital has performed more than 3000 transcatheter cardiac interventions in children and adults with congenital heart diseases. Our average paediatric cardiology OPD load is 275 cases per month.
• Our centre is equipped to perform catheter-based cardiac interventions in all age groups, ranging from day-one newborns to adults.
• We routinely perform balloon aortic, pulmonary, and mitral valvotomy, including in newborns. Device closures for ASD, VSD, and PDA are carried out regularly. In addition, we perform balloon dilatation and stenting for coarctation of the aorta and pulmonary stenosis, as well as device or coil closure of rare lesions such as aortopulmonary window, coronary AV fistula, pulmonary AV fistula, aortopulmonary collaterals, and other uncommon vascular fistulas.
• We have a structured fetal echocardiography program to identify congenital heart diseases antenatally and provide follow-up until birth. Our paediatric cardiology team manages neonatal cardiac emergencies, including duct-dependent lesions with prostaglandin infusion and emergency bedside balloon atrial septostomy until definitive catheter-based treatment is planned. Regular academic and training sessions are conducted for postgraduates, nurses, and paramedical staff as part of our continuous medical education programme. Our team regularly publishes research in indexed joumals. A landmark contribution includes device closure of VSD using a muscular VSD device via a retrograde technique, and our centre was the first in the world to perform device closure of subpulmonic VSD.
• Our vision is to establish a state-of-the-art pediatric and congenital heart disease centre ot GKNM Hospital, delivering world-class care to all children with heart conditions, regardless of their family's socioeconomic status.

Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery

• Since June 2014, G. Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial Hospital has offered an exclusive Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery Program. The dedicated team includes Peds cardiac surgeons (Dr. Vijayakumar Raju, Dr. Naveen Srinivasan), pediatric cardiologists (Dr. M. Kalayansundaram, Dr. Sanchithal, cardiac anesthetists (Dr. Soundaravalli, Dr. Koushik), cardiac intensivists (Dr. Sridevi, Dr. Saravanan), perfusionists (Mrs. Sumathy, Ms. Archa), pharmacist (Mr. Adwaith), fund raiser (Mr. Srivatsan), and a skilled group of ICU nurses.
• We perform about 500 cardiac surgeries and 500 interventional procedures annually for children with heart conditions, serving all age groups and body weights. Of these patients, 10% are neonates and 30% have complex congenital cardiac defects. We offer complex cardiac surgery regardless of socioeconomic status, and our outcomes match those of leading centers nationwide. Approximately 75% of children receiving care for congenital neart disease at GKNM are supported by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. No child at GKNM is denied cardiac care due to financial constraints. We conduct regular screening comps in Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai, Ariyalur, Perumibalur, and Thanjavur as well as nearby areas.
• Our centre offers Nitric Oxide therapy. Nitric oxide is a colourless gas under standard conditions, discovered in 1992, and awarded the Nobel Prize in 1998. It works by dilating blood vessels in the lungs, which reduces pulmonary artery pressure. Nitric oxide supports smooth recovery for children experiencing severe pulmonary artery pressure after cardiac surgery
• We also have a capacity to run ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane oxygenation) for Pediatric and congenital heart disease patients. We have license to do pediatric heart transplant program ot our centre. Currently we have one child who is waiting to undergo heart transplant at our centre.
• To enhance and broaden our services for children with pediatric and congenital heart disease, we established a global partnership with Children Heart Link, MN, USA in February 2018. Additionally, we actively contribute as a volunteer to the IQIC (International Quality Improvement Collaborative for Congenital Heart Surgery) database, which is maintained by Boston Children's Hospital, USA. Children Heart Link is a non-profit NGO based in Minneapolis, MN, USA, focused on developing pediatric and congenital heart programs in developing countries. Currently collaborating with organizations in 22 countries, GKNM is the first and only partner hospital in Tamil Nadu. Medical volunteers from Mayo Clinic visit twice a year to collaborate and share expertise, spending at least five days with our team each time. Since partnering with CHL, we have maintained surgical mortality rates around 2% since 2018, despite increasing case complexity. Additionally, the IQIC team from Boston audits our outcomes annually and provides continuous feedback.
• Our vision is to establish a state-of-the-art pediatric and congenital heart disease centre at GKNM Hospital, delivering world-class care to all children with heart conditions, regardless of their family's socioeconomic status.

Paediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine

• Asthma and Allergy - Around 1 in 10 children suffer from Allergic disease, We help with the diagnosis and management of children with wheeze and allergic diseases. We also offer specialized services, including spirometry, oscillometry, FENO, and allergy testing. We provide health education and training an inhalation therapy and environmental triggers.
• Infections - we manage children with respiratory infections, pneumonia, and empyemas. We have the facility to screen for Primary immune deficiency diseases, ie, Immunoglobulin profile, Lymphocyte subset analysis. Phagocytic function (NBT) & (DHR)
• Paediatric Flexible bronchoscopy - We are one of the few centres in the state to have this facility. Flexible bronchoscopy is helpful to diagnose and treat children with noisy breathing, persistent chest infections, persistent lung shadows, and protracted cough.
• Primary Ciliary Dykinesia (PCD) - We are the first centre in South india to have a diagnostic facility for this genetic condition, Cilia are microscopic hair-like structures situated in the cells lining the airway. Wave like coordinated movements of these cillia are important to clear mucus (with particulate matter and germs) out of the respiratory tract. In PCD, the ciliary movement is absent or affected. Children bom with this genetic condition have early onset wet cough and respiratory disease in the newborn period. 50% of them have their heart located on the right side of the chest. Later, they develop recurrent chest infections, which can damage their lungs permanently (Bronchiectasis). They can also have sinus and ear infections. We offer specialised diagnostic tests/HSVA, Nasal NO, Genetic testing) for early diagnosis and multidisplinary approach to management to improve outcomes. We have an ongoing collaboration with PCD Centre, Southampton University Hospital, UK.
• Cystic Fibrosis - Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition affecting mainly the lungs and digestive system(Pancreas). Children with cystic fibrosis present with recurrent chest infections, oily/greasy stools, and undernutrition. We offer diagnostic testing for children suspected of having this genetic condition, which includes Sweat chloride testing, Stool for pancreatic elastase, and genetic testing. These children are managed by a multidisciplinary team.
• Sleep medicine - We evaluate and manage children with sleep issues. We a level I sleep lob with transcutaneous co2 monitoring facility
• Rare lung diseases - We evaluate and manage children with rare lung diseases and congenital lung lesions.

Paediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology

Paediatric Endocrinology at GKNM was established in the year 2005 by Dr Raghupathy, Retd Professor of Paediatric Endocrinology from CMC, Vellore. This was the second Centre in Tamil Nadu. Dr Anila Ayyavoo is the current Consultant in Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes managing the Endocrine work at GKNM. This is a referral coming from Salem, Erode, Tirupur, Namakkal, Karur, Mettupalayam, Pollachi, Udumalpet, Ooty, Palakkad and from other parts of the state of Tomil Nadu, India and abroad. The Paediatric Endocrinology services at GKNM Hospital is one of top centres in india.

1. Diabetes mellitus: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (TIDM), Type 2 diabetes mellitus, neonatal diabetes and other forms of monogenic diabetes are under the care of the Paediatric Endocrine Team.

TIDM: 800 children with type 1 diabetes have benefitted from the management at GKNM Hospital, Diabetic ketoacidosis and daily management of TIDM are comprehensively managed by a dedicated team of doctors, nurses and educators. Advanced managerment including semi-automated insulin pump with hybrid closed loop system, glucose sensors for continuous monitoring of glucose are available.

2. Thyroid: Newborn thyroid screening was established in 2006 for all babies born at GKNMH as the second centre in Tamil Nadu.

A large group of hyperthyroidism patients have been managed here with medications or radio-Isotope ablation or surgery. The Department of Nuclear Medicine works closely with the Endocrine team, The number of children treated ot GKNM with thyroid disorders including malignancy would be more than 2000.

3. Lipid disorders in children: We are a referral centre in the country for children with lipid disorders including familial hypertriglyceridemia, familial hypercholesterolemia etc.

4. Childhood obesity clinic: An entire spectrum of children with obesity including nutritional

obesity, syndramic obesity (Prader Willi syndrome, Bardet Biedl syndrome, Alstorm syndrome..) and others are being managed. Children with morbid obesity have the facility to undergo sleep study. All treatment options are available for these children.

5. Adolescent menstrual disorders: Both emergency and outpatient treatment are available for children with menorrhagia, polycystic ovarian syndrome, primary and secondary amenorrhoea, hypogonadotrophic and hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism.

6. Growth disorders: Children with short stature due to growth hormone deficiency or other causes are evaluated and managed appropriately.

7. Endocrine bone disorders: Children with nutritional rickets, hypophosphatemic rickets, vitamin D resistant rickets, osteopetrotic disorders are manged at GKNM.

8. Adrenal disorders: 120 plus children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia are being

comprehensively being managed at GKNM. These children are growing up to be healthy adults, establishing families and becoming parents. Other adrenal disorders including Addison's Disease, Cushings syndrome, familial glucocorticoid deficiency, adrenoleukodystrophy, congenital adrenal hypoplasia are doing well under the management of the Paediatric Endocrine Team

9. Disorders of sexual differentiation: Children with XX DSD, XY DSD ovotesticular DSD, mixed

gonadal dysgenesis are happy with themselves and choosing the life they want. The success of the whole endocrine team depends on the acceptance of the families in helping and allowing the children to make their own choices

10. Calcium and other electrolyte disorders: Children with hypoparathyroidism, hypomagnesemia, DiGeorge syndrome, hypercalcemia, Diabetes insipidus, hypodipsic hypernatremia etc. are being managed by the endocrine team.

11. Pubertal disorders: Children with central and peripheral precocious puberty (even in children under the age of 1 year) in both boys and girls are successfully managed at GKNM.

12. Hypoglycemia: Congenital hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia and other other couses of hypoglycemia in children are evaluated and managed appropriately.

13. Turner syndrome: The number of girls with Turner syndrome managed at the Paediatric Endocrine team are almost 100 in number. They receive comprehensive evaluation and management of all aspects of their health.

14. Pituitary disorders: Children with multiple pituitary hormone disorders due to congenital defects, craniopharyngioma or post-surgery are managed at GKNM.

15. Rare disorders: Other rare conditions managed at poediatric endocrinology include Silver Russel syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Beckwith Weidemann syndrome, Kabuki syndrome, Klinefelter's syndrome, Triple X syndrome, Triple AAA syndrome, Overgrowth syndromes (Sotos syndrome, Simpson Golabi Behmel syndrome etc)

Paediatric Hemato oncology & Bone Marrow Transplantation

In India an estimated 70,000 children develop cancer each year. Childhood Cancer is a catastrophic disease, but with treatment and adequate supportive care,more than 85% of children achieve complete cure and resume schooling.

Conditions we treat

• Pediatric Oncology
• Leukemias and Lymphomas
• Pediatric Brain tumors and other solid tumors
• Benign Hematology:
• Nutritional ,hemolytic anemias
• Hemoglobinopathies(Thalassemia,Sickle cell disease,Hereditary spherocytosis)
• Bone marrow failure
• Bleeding diathesis(Hemophilias), Platelet disorders(ITP,Platelet dysfunction disorders)
• Coagulation disorders
• Primary immunodeficiency

Established in 1957, Valavadi Narayanasamy Cancer Center, the Oncology Department of GKNM Hospital has been one of the forerunners of Cancer Healthcare in South India.

On an average around 100 children are being treated for cancer every year and a dedicated pediatric oncology team is treating children. The overall cure rate for childhood cancer is 85% which is at par with International standards. We partner with National Cancer Grid Virtual Tumor Board for optimal care.

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT)

Our center also has a dedicated four bedded Bone marrow transplant unit which is one of the few centers in India performing complicated bone marrow transplants like haploidentical bone marrow transplants. Advanced techniques like T cell depletion is used for half matched transplants. Our center has crossed 100 bone marrow transplants including 40 pediatric transplants since inception. 

World’s first bone marrow transplantation for a rare immunodeficiency (MALT1 deficiency) was performed using T cell depletion. Disease cured under bone marrow transplantation includes hemoglobinopathies (Thalassemia, Sickle cell anemia), bone marrow failure, metabolic disorders (like mucopolysaccharidoses), leukemia, lymphoma and immunodeficiency. The success rates are over 90% and the transplant related mortality is less than 2%.

We partner with Non-Governmental Organizations and Corporate Social responsibility funds for providing Home away from home stay and financial support for financially backward parents. CMCHIS also can be utilized for eligible children needing BMT. We have treated two tribal children hailing from Gudalur with leukemia with their disease taken to remission. Provision of chemotherapy - procured at subsidy or free of cost from NGO (Cankids India)

Involving a multidiscipliniary team, we provide comprehensive care to all kids with cancer and blood disorders. Our motto is "No child should die in the dawn of life".

Paediatric Nephrology

• Kidney diseases in children are unique and have long-term impact on growth, development, and overall quality of life.
• We in GKNM focus on the safeguarding kidney health from early life.
• We provide timely intervention by early diagnosis of congenital and genetic kidney diseases, help slow disease progression, reduce complications, and improve long-term kidney survival. We have an excellent pediatric surgeon Dr. Rajamani sir, with expertise in the surgical management of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT).
• Children are not small adults. We provide age-appropriate, weight-based, and developmentally sensitive care, tailored to children.
• We manage complex conditions such as difficult to treat nephrotic syndrome with rituximab, glomerulonephritis, rapidly progressive renal failure, hemolytic uremic syndrome. We are supported by a skilled and readily available dialysis unit, ensuring early initiation of renal replacement therapies.
• We join hands with our pediatric intensive care team in managing life-threatening electrolyte disorders, which often require urgent care.
• Kidney diseases affect nutrition, growth, bone health, and puberty. We address these ospects, enabling children to achieve normal growth and developmental milestones.
• Children with kidney disease often require lifelong follow-up. We erisure smooth transition to our adult nephrology care, reducing treatment gaps and complications.
• We emphasize family education, counseling, and psychosocial support, empowering caregivers to actively participate in long-term disease management.

Services offered in Pediatric nephrology and urology:

• Renal biopsy
• Acute peritoneal dialysis
• Hemodialysis
• Hemodiafiltration
• Continuous ambulatory Peritoneal dialysis
• Therapeutic Plasma exchange
• Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
• Micturiting cystourethrography and radionucleotide cystography
• DMSA, DTPA, EC scan
• Uroflometry and Urodynamic study
• Pediatric renal transplant and post transplant care

We aim to establish Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) services to provide round-the-clock renal support for critically ill children.

We are actively working towards procuring eculizumab at a reduced cost as life-saving therapy for children with complement-mediated kidney diseases.

We ensure children with kidney diseases lead healthy, productive lives.

Paediatric Neurology

Where Expert Care Transforms Children's Lives.....

Every child's brain is unique-and when a neurological concern arises, timely and precise care can change a lifetime. At GKNM Hospital, families can access dedicated pediatric neurology services that bring together experience, advanced diagnostics, and evidence-based treatments under one roof. The focus is simple: giving every child the best possible chance to grow, learn, and thrive. With the overall increased survival of extreme preterm neonates and children with stormy neonatal periods, a comprehensive paediatric neurology service can help overall outcomes in improving the quality of life in these children.

Epilepsy remains one of the most common neurological issues in children, and its management has evolved far beyond conventional treatment. With the expanding understanding of genetic epilepsies and the rise of precision-based therapies, specialized pediatric-focused evaluation has become crucial. GKNM offers advanced imaging, individualized seizure-care planning and comprehensive presurgical assessments-ensuring children receive the right treatment at the earliest stage.

Complex neuromusculor conditions-including Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy-require meticulous diagnosis and ongoing. management. With structured evaluation pathways and access to multidisciplinary rehabilitation, we support children and families through every stage of these chronic conditions.

Early recognition of neurometabolic and genetic disorders can dramatically alter outcomes. Many of these conditions respond well to targeted diets, medical therapy, and in select cases, stem-cell-based approaches. GKNM also offers Dane marrow transplantation for eligible children with adrenoleukodystrophy and metachromatic leukodystrophy through close collaboration with pediatric hemato-oncology specialists-bringing advanced, life-changing treatment options within reach With rising cases of immune-mediated encephalitis, swift diagnosis and treatment are essential to preventing long-term neurological damage. At GKNM, we provide rapid evaluation supported by high-end neuroimaging and neurocritical care facilities.

The hospital is supported by a paediatric neurologist who is the first professional in the state with an exclusive DM Paediatric Neurology certification under the Tamil Nadu M.G.R. Medical University. To ensure that every child receives the care they deserve, GKNM partners with NGOS that support families requiring epilepsy care, neurocritical care, and transplant-related treatment-ensuring financial limitations never stand in the way of essential core.

Scope of Pediatric Neurology Services

• Comprehensive evaluation and management of all forms of childhood epilepsy
• Genetic, neurometabolic, and rore neurological disorders
• Developmental delay, milestone regression, and neurodevelopmental conditions
• Neuromuscular and movement disorders
• Pediatric stroke-arterial and venous
• Autoimmune & demyelinating CNS disorders
• Cerebral palsy and neurodisability management

Advanced Diagnostic & Critical Care Facilities

• Advanced epilepsy evaluation including presurgical & postsurgical assessment
• Sedation assisted EEG
• 3 Tesla MRI, nuclear imaging, pediatric EEG, nerve conduction & EMG
• Protocol driven management of acute neurological emergencies

Paediatric Infectious Diseases

Paediatric Infectious Diseases is an emerging yet important subspecialty of Paediatrics with a major focus on prompt diagnosis and optimal management of common and uncommon childhood infections, both on an outpatient and inpatient basis, with appropriate and timely antibiotic usage.

It deals with the diagnosis and management of

• Tropical infections, including Dengue, Typhoid, Rickettsial infections, and malaria
• Common respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary infections
• Chronic infections, including tuberculosis, HIV, and other uncommon infections
• Congenital infections
• Pyrexia of unknown origin
• Health care associated infections
• Chemotherapy/Febrile Neutropenia-Related Infections
• Transplant associated infections (Bone marrow or solid organ transplants)
• Infections in children with inborn errors of immunity
• Vaccination in special situations

Advanced Infectious Disease Diagnostic Services

Our state-of-the-art laboratory services provide timely, accurate diagnostic support with rapid turnaround times and robust quality control systems. In addition to conventional cultures and serological tests, the following advanced diagnostic facilities are available:

• Automated blood cultures – BD FX 200
• Automated organism identification & MIC – VITEK® 2
• Multiplex PCR panels – BioFire®
• Xpert MTB/RIF
• Automated TB culture – MGIT™ 320
• TB first-line drug susceptibility testing
• Quantitative viral load testing – HIV, HBV, HCV
• Clostridioides difficile toxin assay
• Carba-R (carbapenem resistance gene detection)
• Aspergillus galactomannan (Blood & BAL)
• Cryptococcal antigen testing
• Histopathology-supported biopsy diagnosis of infections

Developmental Paediatrics

Our Child Development Clinic offers structured developmental screenings, detailed clinical and functional assessments, and appropriate medical investigations, with emphasis on early diagnosis and management of associated comorbidities. Interventions are delivered through a family-centred, multidisciplinary model involving developmental psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, special educators, and social workers to ensure individualised, evidence-based care.

Parent-mediated intervention is a core component of care, with structured caregiver training to support therapy continuation in the home environment. Beyond diagnosis, we emphasise functional profiling, early intervention planning, school readiness, environmental supports, and long-term developmental trajectories. Specialised services are also provided for children with genetic syndromes, including Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, and Williams syndrome, with coordinated genetic evaluation and counselling.

At the heart of our department is a child-centred philosophy: every child deserves to thrive without limits. Together, we strive to build an inclusive society that empowers every child to thrive at their own pace and achieve their full potential.

Key Clinical Services:

• Comprehensive developmental and behavioural evaluation and management of children with global developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, speech and language disorders, sensory impairments, intellectual disability, and genetic syndromes
• Dedicated high-risk infant and NICU follow-up clinics to ensure early detection of developmental concerns and prompt intervention
• Antenatal strategies aimed at early risk identification and promotion of typical developmental trajectories

Paediatric Immunology

Inborn Errors of Immunity or IEl are a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders of the immune system which may manifest as an increased susceptibility to infection or as autoimmunity, auto-inflammation and malignancy. This is not restricted to Pediatric age group as many IEl's have adult onset.

An Immunologist is a specialist trained to diagnose these presumed rare diseases through specialised investigations and genetic tests to look for underlying couse. Immunology OPD is first of its kind in Coimbatore and nearby towns that can act as draining areas

Treatment is decided based on the pathophysiology driving the disease process

We specialise in diagnosis and management of:

• Severe Combined Immune Deficiency and Combined Immune Deficiency
• Disorders of Immune-dysregulation or Autoimmunity
• Benign and malignant lymphoproliferation with EBV signature
• Phagocytic defects which include Severe congenital Neutropenia, Chronic Granulomatous Disease, Leucocyte Adhesion Deficiency
• Mendelian susceptibility to Mycobacterial Disease and susceptibility to specific infections like vaccine associated Measles, H. simplex encephalitis, Chronic Muco-cutaneous
• Candidiasis to name a few
• Autoinflammatory diseases
• Recurrent malignancy, Family History of malignancy

Mission: Our mission is to identify and treat the so called RARE DISEASES, as it is a misnomer, Many of these diseases fail to get picked up, referred and diagnosed in time due to lack of awareness amongst primary care givers.

Scope of Immunology services:

• To establish facilities for the diagnosis and management in IEls
• To widely disseminate the information to prevent the delay in referral and diagnosis
• To educate and establish simple algo rhythms for the Clinicians, Pediatricians, Physicians for early pick up of a suspected IEI
• To establish state of the art flowcytometry based diagnostic facilities for IEI, so that samples from Coimbatore and entire state of Tamil Nadu is processed here and that will prevent sourcing them to outside labs and also will have a faster TAT.
• Use of small molecules in the managerment of cytokinemias, cytokine storm os in HLH, MAS and Interferonopathy. This will require multiplex analysis system for doing cytokine profile (of common cytokines) by flowcytometry. It can also be utilized post HSCT also

Common symptomatology that needs referral for immunology opinion:

• Loss of child to infection or disease of unknown couse
• Poor weight gain/Poor growth and development
• if a child or adult hos recurrent infections requiring hospital admission 3 or more in a year
• Recurrent sino-pulmonary infections, pneumonia, Bronchiectasis
• Chronic ear discharge
• Peri anal abscess with fistula formation in a child
• Recurrent meningitis
• Life threatening Influenza
• Early onset chronic diarrhoea or inflammatory bowel disease with other autoimmunity
• Difficult to treat Tuberculosis or Fungal infections
• Dermatophytosis or fungal infections of the skin/nail that are persistent
• Recurrent Varicella or Chicken pox/Viral warts
• Recurrent severe Molluscum contagiosum
• Swellings in the neck which are recurrent and significant (Local or Generalized Lymphadenopathy)
• Early onset Type 1 diabetes, hypothyroidism, SLE, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, interstitial Lung Disease (As part of autoimmunity)
• Family history of Auto immune diseases
• Recurrent oral ulcers, skin rash, arthritis, non-healing ulcers, unexplained fever
• High IgE with atopic dermatitis associated with infections and other autoimmunity
• Pancytopenia (when all blood counts are low) or when repeated fall in Hb requiring steroids and blood transfusion
• Family history of Cancer or recurrence of cancer, unusual age or site for a particular cancer

Paediatric ENT & Airway Surgery Unit

At GKNM, the Pediatric ENT unit provides comprehensive care for common Ear, Nose, and Throat conditions, as well as manage ENT emergencies like as foreign bodies, epistaxis, trauma, and stridor.

Our tertiary care Pediatric Airway Surgery setup is the first of its kind in the Coimbatore region. It has been mode possible by our robust hospital infrastructure and multidisciplinary team. We diagnose and treat neonates and children with stridor and respiratory distress, offering a range of surgical interventions.

Our open airway surgeries include:

• Laryngotracheal Reconstruction
• Partial Cricotracheal resection
• Laryngeal Cleft repair

We also perform endoscopic airway surgeries, including:

• Supraglottoplasty for Laryngomalacia
• Kashima Procedure for Vocal Cord Palsy
• Glottic web release
• Endoscopic Balloon Dilation for Acquired Subglottic Stenosis

At GKNM, the availablity of pediatric anesthetists experienced in working with a shared airway has been instrumental to building the airway unit. Strong support from the departments of PICU, Pediatric Pulmonology, CTVS, a skilled endoscopy team, pediatric-trained speech and swallow pathologists, competent nursing and allied staff-have all helped in the successful establishment of the program. Our interdisciplinary approach ensures tallored care for children with complex airway conditions, and we're committed to providing advanced treatment options for families in our region.

Paediatric Intensive Care Unit

We are a 10-bedded state-of-the-art PICU with experienced intensivists, dedicated fellows and trained nurses working 24/7 for the health of sick kids.

Services offered:

• 24/7 road transport services (any distance)
• Ventilators with newer modes like PRVC, APRV
• HFOV (High frequency Ventilators)
• Nitric Oxide
• Hemodialysis
• Peritoneal dialysis
• Access to Continuous Renal replacement therapy
• Ultrasonogram
• Multiparametric monitors including ETCO2, temperature
• Transcutaneous CO2 monitoring
• HFNC transportable
• BIPAP portable
• Mesh nebulizer
• Infant warmer

We have 1:1 nursing for critically ill with strong performance in infection control and quality control indicators. We have expertise in securing Ultrasound guided central lines, arterial lines, HD catheters and PICC lines.

A non-exhaustive list of diagnosis that we manage shock, severe asthma, respiratory distress, status epilepticus, traumatic brain injury, respiratory failure, oncologic emergencies, renal failure, hypertensive emergency, ARDS,

We work hand-in-hand with the pediatric and pediatric subspeciality team. We take pride in that ours is a walk-in PICU with round-the-clock access for parents to provide our ultimate goal of family-centred care.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

The Neonatal intensive care unit at our hospital in Coimbatore is a 20 beds state-of-art facility dedicated to the care of critically ill and premature newborns supported by high risk perinatal unit. Our Level III NICU offers the highest level of care available for neonates, equipped with advanced technology and supported by a multidisciplinary team of highly trained professionals

Our NICU is staffed round the clock by Consultant Neonatologists, Neonatal fellows, pediatric residents, lactation counsellor, neonatal nurses, respiratory therapists and allied health professionals, ensuring expert care and close monitoring at every step.

 We are equipped to manage a wide range of complex neonatal conditions including extreme prematurity (<28 weeks), Extremely low birth weight (<1000 g), congenital anomalies, postoperative care of complex surgical cases, complex cyanotic heart diseases, and neonatal sepsis aligning with International NICU care standards. 

Key features include: 

• CPAP and HFNC 
• Invasive mechanical ventilation including High frequency ventilation 
• Inhaled Nitric Oxide 
• Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and advanced nutritional support
•  Point-of-care ultrasound, functional echocardiography and EEG monitoring
• In house blood gas analysis, microbiology and radiology support. 
• Neonatal transport services to transport sick ventilated new born by a team of trained professionals.

We have excellent survival rates for heart disease and extremely pre mature neonates, new born screening program and neuro developmental follow up, in-built quality program. We also have a strong emphasis on family centered care, encouraging parental involvement, breastfeeding support, and kangaroo mother care. Our mission is to ensure the best possible start to life for every newborn entrusted to our care, combining compassion, clinical excellence and cutting-edge innovation. 

Facilities Available:

Equipment Availability

• Ventilators - 6
• Monitor - 13
• Syringe pump - 20
• Infusion pump - 21
• Photo therapy - 21
• Incubators - 8
• Radiant warmer - 17
• Central venous pressure stand - 1
• Weighing Machine (New Born) - 2
• O2 Flow meter - 24
• O2 hood - 18
• Nasal CPAP machine - 3
• Air O2 Machine - 2
• Suction apparatus - 25
• Fogging machine - 1
• Nebuliser - 4
• Neopuff - 1
• Breast pump - 1
• Nitric oxide machine - 1
• Gulcometer - 2
• Portable x -ray machine - 1

Scope of Services(Level I - Level III, Isolation Room):

• Neonatal resuscitation
• Postnatal care to stable newborn infant.
• Comprehensive care of new born gestation < 34 weeks / birthweight < 2 kg
• Full range of respiratory support
• Surgical repair of congenital / acquired conditions
• Post surgical care
• Management of babies with complex congenital heart diseases needing intervention / surgery
• Management of sepsis
• Management of hyperbilirubinemia / IEM / Endocrine problems
• Routine newborn screening for thyroid, hearing disorders
• ROP screening for all preterm
• Isolation facilities for neonates with infections
• Breast feeding promotions
• Counselling
• Immunisation of newborn infant
• Retrieval of neonate from nearly < 60 km radius referring hospital.