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The cases in this column are selected by the editors of The Journal of Family Practice from Medical Malpractice: Verdicts, Settlements & Experts, with permission of the editor, Lewis Laska (https://www.triplelpublications.com/product/medical-malpractice-newsletter/). The information about the cases presented here is sometimes incomplete; pertinent details of a given situation therefore may be unavailable. Moreover, the cases may or may not have merit. Nevertheless, these cases represent the types of clinical situations that typically result in litigation.
Untreated high blood sugar ends in coma and disability
A 65-YEAR-OLD MAN sought treatment from an endocrinologist for previously diagnosed diabetes. An in-office pin prick test showed a blood sugar level exceeding the instrument’s limit. The endocrinologist ordered blood work at an outside lab. The tests indicated dangerous blood sugar levels, which were reported to the endocrinologist and his staff. The doctor allegedly didn’t act on the results.
About a week after seeing the endocrinologist, the patient collapsed; he was rushed to a hospital and placed in a protective coma. He emerged from the coma with significant injuries, including blindness in 1 eye and bilateral foot drop.
PLAINTIFF’S CLAIM The in-office test results should have alerted the doctor to a serious problem. The doctor should have sent the patient to the hospital for an immediate blood test.
DOCTOR’S DEFENSE The doctor denied any negligence.
VERDICT $1.5 million Connecticut settlement.
COMMENT Delayed or inappropriate follow up of in-office lab work remains a preventable cause of liability. If you order a test, make sure you have a protocol in place to assure timely adjudication of test results.
