Yahoo News Darlington boy, 15, tragically dies days after necessary surgery
A teenager suffering from a genetic mutation died days after being discharged from hospital after necessary surgery, an inquest heard.
Alfie Bower, 15, tragically passed away at his home on Meadowfield Road, Darlington on December 14, 2022 after scoliosis surgery. An inquest looking into the circumstances surrounding Alfie's death was held at Crook Coroners Court.
The inquest heard the youngster was diagnosed with a genetic mutation which caused developmental delay and epilepsy. He had seizures since 2008 and received treatment including an implanted nerve stimulator.
Summarising evidence, assistant coroner James Thompson said Alfie was fully dependant on his parents and carers, used a wheelchair and was tube fed.
He said: "His global development delay began to cause scoliosis. The condition was causing him pain and surgery was necessary to improve his quality of life. He'd been admitted to hospital on several occasions due to chest infections and received regular physiotherapy to combat the risk of respiratory infection."
The inquest heard Alfie was assessed and underwent surgery on November 21, 2022 at the Great North Children's Hospital, in Newcastle. The inquest heard the assessment identified the risk of chest infections.
Mr Thompson said following the operation Alfie was under the care of the intensive care unit (ICU) and then moved on to ward 10. However, on November 29 he began to deteriorate with chest problems and was moved back to the ICU.
The inquest heard Alfie was treated but did not recover and was discharged from the hospital for palliative care on December 12. He died at home two days later.
Summarising Alfie's care on the ICU, Mr Thompson said: "Ventilation was undertaken and despite further treatment his respiratory problems persisted. He was dependent on the breathing tube which was not a long-term solution and the focus shifted to palliative care and and he was discharged home."
Mr Thompson recorded a cause of death of 1a. respiratory failure, due to 1b scoliosis requiring surgery due to 1c. NTRK2 mutation.
He said: "The surgery he underwent was elective. It was in my view a necessary operation to allow Alfie some quality of life. All operations are not entirely free of risk, complications can arise and this is what happened in Alfie's case in the form of persistent respiratory infection.
"I find on balance the medical care and treatment he received was correct, necessary and extensive both in the intensive care unit and also on ward 10. I'm reassured that his care and treatment were sufficient and there were no acts or omissions in care that would have caused or contributed to his death and also that the surgery was necessary in the first place."
Mr Thompson said Alfie was seen constantly by those looking after him and changes in presentation were escalated and acted upon. He concluded his death was due to natural causes.
Mr Thompson said he wanted clarification on drug absorption and the escalation process at the hospital. He asked for the trust to respond to him within 21 days .
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