Infant Dies Amid Heparin Scandal
One infant who was given overdoses of the blood thinner heparin died Tuesday morning (July 8). The mistake that lead to the widespread overdose at Christus Spohn Hospital South in Corpus Christi occurred in the pharmacy last Thursday where personnel mistakenly mixed the pediatric version of heparin with other solutions, including saline. Two pharmacy staffers are on voluntary leave until the investigation is resolved.
The deceased infant was already very sick before the heparin overdose, so hospital officials do not know yet how much the drug affected the infant’s health. The pending autopsy will tell for sure.
The pharmaceutical error was discovered by nurses running routine blood work. Though heparin is commonly prescribed to newborns (especially those born prematurely), too much heparin can cause serious damage. So far, at least 17 babies at Christus Spohn are known to have received overdoses.
The deceased infant was already very sick before the heparin overdose, so hospital officials do not know yet how much the drug affected the infant’s health. The pending autopsy will tell for sure.
The pharmaceutical error was discovered by nurses running routine blood work. Though heparin is commonly prescribed to newborns (especially those born prematurely), too much heparin can cause serious damage. So far, at least 17 babies at Christus Spohn are known to have received overdoses.
A second infant, the twin sister of the newborn boy that died Wednesday, also died at the hospital. The cause of death has not been determined.
Though the autopsy of the brother showed his death was not caused by a heparin overdose, the parents have been granted a temporary restraining order that will keep the twins’ hospital records intact.
The twins were born 4 weeks early at Christus Spohn Hospital Alice. They were transferred to Christus Spohn Hospital South that same day.
Though the autopsy of the brother showed his death was not caused by a heparin overdose, the parents have been granted a temporary restraining order that will keep the twins’ hospital records intact.
The twins were born 4 weeks early at Christus Spohn Hospital Alice. They were transferred to Christus Spohn Hospital South that same day.
Christus Spohn Hospital South in Corpus Christi has admitted fault in the heparin overdose scandal that erupted last week when as many as 17 infants were given 100 times the normal dose.
So far, one pair of twins has died and other infants remain ill. The family of the deceased newborns is demanding answers and accountability from the hospital.
So far, one pair of twins has died and other infants remain ill. The family of the deceased newborns is demanding answers and accountability from the hospital.
Approximately one in 15 children is subjected to an accidental overdose, serious adverse drug reaction, or medical mix up in a hospital.
The lawyers at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP are experienced Texas birth trauma and medical malpractice attorneys who work to protect you and your family from negligent doctors and hospitals.
The lawyers at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP are experienced Texas birth trauma and medical malpractice attorneys who work to protect you and your family from negligent doctors and hospitals.