Hong Kong Probes Rare Cardiac Arrest in 4-Year-Old After Stitches

Hong Kong authorities are investigating a rare and troubling case of cardiac arrest in a 4-year-old girl who experienced the medical emergency after receiving stitches for a head wound. The incident occurred on Saturday at Yan Chai Hospital, prompting a thorough investigation by medical experts.

Dr. Desmond Nguyen, deputising chief executive of Kowloon West hospitals, described the incident as 'rare' and emphasized the need to understand why the girl fell unconscious and why her heart stopped after the procedure. 'We are looking into what caused the girl to suffer a cardiac arrest after she received stitches for a head wound,' Nguyen stated.

The girl, who remains in critical condition, was initially brought to the emergency room at Yan Chai Hospital with a head injury and fever. During the stitching procedure, which began at 11:10 am, she resisted and cried during the first stitch. Shortly after, she lost consciousness, and her heartbeat ceased.

Why this matters: This incident has broader implications for medical practices and patient safety, particularly in pediatric care. The investigation's findings could lead to changes in stitching procedures or anesthesia administration to prevent similar cases in the future.

Medical staff quickly performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and restored her heartbeat by 11:29 am. She was then transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Princess Margaret Hospital, where she was diagnosed with ischemic brain damage.

Dr. Ian Cheung Tsz-Fung, Director of Yan Chai Hospital, provided additional context, noting that the girl had fallen at home on Saturday, resulting in a 2-centimeter wound and a fever. 'After assessing her condition, the hospital deemed it necessary to administer three stitches,' Cheung explained.

The Kowloon West Cluster (KWC) has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office through the Advance Incident Reporting System. Specialists from the paediatrics and emergency medicine departments have been tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the case to determine if any underlying conditions contributed to the cardiac arrest.

In response to the incident, the Cluster Patient Relations Officer has maintained close communication with the patient's family. Clinical teams from both Prince of Wales Hospital and Yan Chai Hospital have been actively engaging with the family, providing thorough explanations of the clinical situation and offering necessary assistance.

The investigation is ongoing, with further examinations arranged to explore rare diseases that might explain the sudden cardiac arrest. The medical community awaits answers, the focus remains on the girl's recovery and understanding the factors that led to this rare and distressing event.

Key Takeaways

• 4-year-old girl suffers cardiac arrest after receiving stitches for a head wound at Yan Chai Hospital.
• Girl remains in critical condition with ischemic brain damage after 18-minute cardiac arrest.
• Investigation underway to determine cause of cardiac arrest, with focus on medical practices and patient safety.
• Medical experts review case to identify potential underlying conditions or rare diseases.
• Girl's family receiving support and updates from hospital staff during ongoing investigation.