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A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (October 5) gave an update on the investigation of septic shock cases suspected to be related to procedures received in a beauty treatment centre called DR.
The spokesman said that investigation so far revealed that a total of 44 persons, including the three currently hospitalised, have received the "DC - CIK" treatment in DR.
"This treatment involves concentration and processing of blood taken from the person, and subsequent infusion of the mixture back into the patient. According to the investigation, the treatment was provided by registered medical practitioner," he explained.
Other than the three hospitalised patients who remain in critical condition, the DH has so far contacted 35 out of the remaining 41 persons who had received the treatment. The DH is still contacting the other six persons.
Investigation revealed that a 59-year-old woman who received the said therapy on September 29 also developed chills, headache, malaise, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, chest discomfort, difficulty in breathing and back pain after receiving treatment. Her symptoms persisted and she was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital early this morning. Her clinical diagnosis was sepsis and her condition is stable.
The 60-year-old woman, who was staying in a private hospital, was transferred to the United Christian Hospital last night for further treatment.
A joint visit to the laboratory which processed the blood mixture was conducted by the DH, the Government Laboratory and the Police today to collect samples for further analysis.
Joint investigation with the Police is under way.
The spokesman again urged members of the public who feel unwell or suffer from adverse effects after receiving the said therapy provided by DR or other similar treatments to seek medical advice immediately. The spokesman also appealed to clients of DR who had received the said therapy to call the department's hotline (2125 1133) to provide further information. The hotline will start operating from tonight till 10pm and then daily from 9am to 5pm.
Ends/Friday, October 5, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:53
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