Two premature babies, one at 25 and the other at 26 weeks' gestation,
have died after being given adult doses of Heparin, a blood-thinning
drug. A spokesperson for the Newborn Intensive Care unit, Methodist
Hospital, Indianapolis, said the overdoses were due to human error. It
has been reported that four more babies also received overdoses of
Heparin at the same hospital. One of these four babies may have to
undergo surgery as a result.
Heparin, which is commonly administered to premature babies to prevent blood clots, may trigger severe internal bleeding if the dose is too high.
An investigation is underway to find out how the errors could have happened. A hospital spokesperson said some steps have already been taken to make sure this does not happen again.
It seems that adult doses (in vials) were placed in the drawer for premature babies. Nurses would have taken the vials out of the drawer not knowing they were for adults. So far, the investigation has not shown up any cases of adults receiving premature baby doses.
Sam Odle, president & CEO of Methodist and Indiana University hospitals said "We are investigating this incident to ensure that we can work to eliminate error as part of care delivery. Our mission is to deliver high quality care and to deliver perfect care in terms of safety and this is a priority for all patients and families."
Odle added that he is confident that all children in the Methodist Hospital are safe and receiving the very best baby care. The hospital administers thousands of Heparin doses each day and 100s of 1000s each year. He stressed this incident is extremely rare.
Odle said "This is a tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are extended to the families."
Indiana University Hospitals web site
Heparin, which is commonly administered to premature babies to prevent blood clots, may trigger severe internal bleeding if the dose is too high.
An investigation is underway to find out how the errors could have happened. A hospital spokesperson said some steps have already been taken to make sure this does not happen again.
It seems that adult doses (in vials) were placed in the drawer for premature babies. Nurses would have taken the vials out of the drawer not knowing they were for adults. So far, the investigation has not shown up any cases of adults receiving premature baby doses.
Sam Odle, president & CEO of Methodist and Indiana University hospitals said "We are investigating this incident to ensure that we can work to eliminate error as part of care delivery. Our mission is to deliver high quality care and to deliver perfect care in terms of safety and this is a priority for all patients and families."
Odle added that he is confident that all children in the Methodist Hospital are safe and receiving the very best baby care. The hospital administers thousands of Heparin doses each day and 100s of 1000s each year. He stressed this incident is extremely rare.
Odle said "This is a tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are extended to the families."
Indiana University Hospitals web site
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