Causes of death shortly after delivery and medical malpractice claims in congenital high airway obstruction syndrome: Review of the literature. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lupariello, Francesco; Nuzzolese, Emilio; Di Vella, Giancarlo
• Is Part Of: Legal medicine. Volume 40(2019)
• Page Start: 61
• Page End: 65
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome -- Newborn care -- Ultrasonography -- Congenital malformations -- Perinatal death -- Medical malpractice; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Medical jurisprudence; Periodicals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2019.07.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1344-6223

Abstract

Highlights: Death shortly after delivery is a possible outcome of CHAOS. The authors propose a review of the literature about lethal forms of CHAOS. Death usually occurs because of ultrasonographic and anatomical reasons. In such cases, healthcare staffs should not be sued for medical negligence. Abstract: Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome is a rare pathology that may conduct the baby to death shortly after delivery. This outcome may cause emotional distress in the parents but it may also generate expensive medical malpractice claims about the reasons why the syndrome was not identified and/or correctly treated. The authors conducted a review of the cases in which Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome caused death of the baby shortly after delivery. Then, they pointed out these ultrasonographic and anatomical reasons why the syndrome may be not identified and/or correctly treated: negative prenatal ultrasonography, recurrence of non-specific findings at prenatal ultrasonography, connection of respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, tracheal agenesis or atresia, parent's refuse of post-partum therapeutic procedures, multiple malformations of the fetus/child. In conclusion, the authors highlighted that death shortly after delivery is usually caused by specific conditions that are not influenced by healthcare team's practice.