Sepsis, Pancreatitis, and Medical Negligence: A Personal Tragedy

Regarding sepsis, pancreatitis, and platelets, medical negligence inquiry!!!

My mother underwent surgery for kidney stones at a hospital on November 8.
On the 26th, she experienced significant bleeding (approximately 1000cc of blood) and was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) on the 27th.
On December 1, she had to undergo another emergency surgery, and unfortunately, she passed away in the ICU on December 8.
Although I am heartbroken, I have doubts about the care she received and would like to raise some questions.

From November 11 to 21, she was unable to eat due to abdominal pain, yet the doctors attributed this to the surgery and did not conduct any further examinations.
Could this be considered medical negligence? (Note: On November 21, my mother was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer.) Around December 2 or 3 in the ICU, a nurse firmly stated that my mother had pancreatitis leading to sepsis.
I would like to ask about the relationship between sepsis and pancreatitis.
What are the causes of sepsis? Which condition comes first?
On December 5, her condition was as follows: white blood cell count: approximately 20,000; hemoglobin: 10-11; platelet count: approximately 50,000.
Her heart rate and blood pressure were within normal ranges, and she was intubated and receiving nutrition via a nasogastric tube.
That day, the doctor mentioned that her condition was stable, but the nurse indicated that she needed a platelet transfusion.
The next afternoon, she went into shock, at which point the platelet transfusion was finally administered.

What are the consequences of having a low platelet count? Can it lead to shock? Is the normal platelet count around 150,000? (Note: My mother’s condition deteriorated rapidly thereafter.) On December 8, she died from organ failure.
A nurse mentioned that there were no bacteria in her blood, but that the surgical wound was infected.
I suspect that the infection during surgery, combined with gastric bleeding, led to sepsis and possibly triggered organ inflammation.
Is this a possibility?
I have recently learned that patients at that hospital often die from sepsis, and the ICU was indeed very unsanitary.
I feel powerless to take action! I am unsure if there are any good channels for complaints; please let me know! I truly cannot bear the thought that my mother did not just pass away, but suffered for over a month before her death! Moreover, she did not receive proper basic care in the ICU.
I do not want my mother to be the last one; that pain is deeply etched in my heart...

Xiao Tai Yang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2000/12/26

Dr. Zeng Fenyu reply Internal Medicine

Based on the described situation, it is evident that your esteemed mother's condition is indeed serious and complex.
I would like to express my deepest condolences for her passing.
However, this consultation system is not suitable for making medical assessments.
Without a thorough review of the medical records and a clear understanding of the circumstances at that time, I am unable to provide answers to the clinical issues mentioned.
Thank you for your understanding!

Reply Date: 2000/12/26

More Info

I am truly sorry to hear about your mother's tragic experience and the pain you are going through. Understanding the complexities of sepsis, pancreatitis, and potential medical negligence in such a situation is crucial, not only for your peace of mind but also for ensuring that similar incidents do not happen to others.

Sepsis is a severe and life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to an infection causes widespread inflammation. It can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. In your mother's case, the development of sepsis could have been linked to her surgical procedure, particularly if there was an infection at the surgical site or if there were complications such as a perforated ulcer. Pancreatitis, on the other hand, is inflammation of the pancreas, which can also lead to systemic inflammatory responses and potentially contribute to sepsis.

The relationship between pancreatitis and sepsis is significant. Pancreatitis can lead to the release of inflammatory mediators into the bloodstream, which can trigger a systemic inflammatory response, potentially resulting in sepsis. Conversely, sepsis can also cause pancreatitis due to the effects of systemic infection on the pancreas. In your mother's case, if she developed pancreatitis, it could have been a consequence of her surgical complications or an independent issue that arose during her hospitalization.

Regarding the blood test results you provided, a white blood cell count of 20,000 indicates a significant inflammatory response, often seen in infections or stress conditions. The low platelet count (around 50,000) is concerning because platelets are crucial for blood clotting. A low platelet count can lead to increased bleeding risks, and in severe cases, it can contribute to shock, especially if there is significant blood loss or if the body is under stress from infection or inflammation.

Your concerns about potential medical negligence are valid. If your mother was experiencing abdominal pain and was unable to eat for an extended period, it should have prompted further investigation rather than being dismissed as a post-surgical issue. The discovery of a gastric ulcer later on suggests that there may have been underlying issues that were not adequately addressed in a timely manner.
In terms of seeking recourse or filing a complaint, many hospitals have patient advocacy services or ombudsmen who can assist you in addressing your concerns. You may also consider reaching out to a medical malpractice attorney who can provide guidance on whether there is a case for negligence based on the circumstances surrounding your mother's care.

It is important to document everything you remember about your mother's treatment, including dates, symptoms, and interactions with medical staff. This information can be crucial in any discussions with hospital administration or legal counsel.

Lastly, I encourage you to seek support for yourself during this difficult time. Grieving the loss of a loved one is a profound process, and it can be helpful to talk to someone who can provide emotional support, whether that be a friend, family member, or a professional counselor.

Your mother's suffering and your family's pain are deeply felt, and it is understandable to seek answers and accountability. I hope you find the support and resolution you need as you navigate this challenging situation.

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