A probe has been ordered after at least six women developed serious complications following caesarean deliveries and were shifted to intensive care at PBM Hospital in Bikaner, prompting authorities to examine whether medicines given around the procedures could be linked.
Investigation Underway
Drug controllers have collected samples of 31 medicines from the hospital, while the medical education department has formed a committee to assess whether any drug administered during or after the C-sections may have contributed to the cases. Officials said the cause has not been identified and no conclusion has been drawn about medicine safety.
Critical Patients on Ventilator Support
Two of the six patients are critical and on ventilator support. One is Sharda, 26, from Shriramsar, admitted on June 3 to the Zanana Hospital at SP Medical College. She underwent a C-section on June 4 and deteriorated about two hours later, shifting to ICU on the morning of June 5. Tests showed multi-organ failure, including kidney failure, and she developed HELLP syndrome.
The second ventilator patient is Preeti of Suratgarh. Both Sharda and Preeti have reported convulsions.
Other Patients Affected
Other patients include Imarti, 20, admitted on June 1, whose kidneys later stopped functioning; Taradevi, 26, admitted on May 24, whose kidneys were affected and who was put on dialysis; Rahilawa, 21, admitted on June 3 and delivered the same day before her condition worsened and she was placed on dialysis; and Sharya, 26, admitted on June 3, whose kidneys were affected on June 4.
Dr Surendra Verma, principal and controller of SP Medical College, Bikaner, told TOI: “The condition of Preeti and Sharda is serious as they are undergoing treatment on ventilator support, while the rest of the four women are stable but in ICU. The cause of complications in these women is still not known as investigation is under progress. The drug controller team has taken samples of 31 drugs and seized all of them for preventing their further use until report is arrived.”
Treatment and Monitoring
All six women are receiving regular dialysis. A medical board has been formed to oversee and guide their treatment.
