Queen Elizabeth Hospital announces sentinel event
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The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (October 11) regarding a sentinel event:
A 26-year-old pregnant patient had an antenatal check-up at QEH at gestation of 37 weeks in the morning of October 6 (Thursday), and was found of having proteinuria and hypertension. Doctor admitted her for an induction of labour. During the induction, medical staff closely monitored the condition of the pregnant patient and her foetus. She had a delivery at about 7pm on the same day. The baby was in stable condition.
Shortly after delivery, the pregnant patient had post-partum haemorrhage. Doctors immediately conducted emergency treatment, including administration of medications to control bleeding and blood transfusion. However, the patient's condition deteriorated and required resuscitation at about 10pm on the same day. The patient also developed Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, resulting in severe bleeding from the uterus. Doctors explained the situation to the family and decided to conduct emergency hysterectomy to avert further severe bleeding.
The patient was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for treatment after hysterectomy. She underwent two urgent treatment procedures to control bleeding at about 2am and 6am on October 7 (Friday) respectively. The patient was suffering from multiple organs failure and generalised bleeding. The patient's condition deterioriated again on October 9 (Sunday), requiring a third urgent treatment procedure to control bleeding at about 7am. The patient finally succumbed at 11am after resuscitation was in vain. The hospital has referred the case to the Coroner's court for further follow-up.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation is a known pregnancy complication. In serious situation, it would affect the body's coagulation function, leading to generalised bleeding, multi-organs failure or even death. The hospital expresses its deepest condolences to the family. The hospital would continue to closely communicate with the family and providethem with all necessary assistance. The hospital has reported the incident to Hospital Authority (HA) Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System, and would identify the root causes of this incident.
Ends/Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:15
Issued at HKT 20:15
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