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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for the Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital today (April 17) made the following announcement regarding a sentinel event:
A 84-year old male patient was transferred from Tai Po Hospital to the Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on March 7, 2013 for further treatment due to infected dislocation of right Austin Moore Arthroplasty. Operation of wound debridement and removal of prosthesis was performed on March 8. The patient was tested positive for Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and was prescribed with antibiotics. The patient had been suffering from chest infection and fever and the infection was persistent. The attending doctor prescribed the patient with an antibiotic, rifampicin on April 11.
The patient was administered a total of two doses of rifampicin on April 11 and 12. Computerised tomography scan result showed that there was persistent fluid collection in the right hip of the patient on April 11. His clinical condition deteriorated with dropping of blood pressure on April 12. Blood investigation indicated that the patient's haemoglobin level and platelet count dropped considerably and the white cell elevated persistently. Packed cells and platelet were transfused to the patient to relieve his condition. The doctor had explained to the patient's family on April 12 of the persistent wound infection and the clinical management plan for second debridement. The possible causes of thrombocytopenia could be due to the prescription of rifampicin or severe sepsis induced by wound infection.
According to the medical record, the patient has suffered from rifampicin-induced thrombocytopaenia. On April 13, the patient's blood pressure became stable. His post-transfusion haemoglobin level and platelet count were found normal but the white cell count elevated continuously. The patient further deteriorated with hypotension and respiratory failure in the evening of April 13. The case doctor explained to the patient's family of his critical condition. The patient finally succumbed at 5.37pm on April 14.
The hospital felt deep sorrow for the incident and expressed condolence to the family, while explanation on the clinical management was also provided. The hospital would continue to keep in contact with the relatives to offer all possible assistance.
The hospital is very concerned about the incident and the incident has been reported to the Coroner's Office and a report has been made to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advanced Incident Reporting System. An investigation panel will be set up to look into the incident. The investigation report is expected to be available and submitted to the Hospital Authority Head Office in eight weeks.
Ends/Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:24
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