In Spain, the tragic history of Samara, reported by the Diari de Gironaa few days ago left a cold. This 24 -year -old young woman, 7 months pregnant, went several times to Llerena, Andalusia hospital, between October 11 and last December. Each time in the emergency room is placed, the same diagnosis is made: simple gastroenteritis. Reality will however lead her to death.
Pregnancy and pain treated lightly
On December 28, Samara therefore appeared in hospital again at 10 a.m., still with the same symptoms: abdominal pain and vomiting. She is sent home three hours later … still for the same reason. It is undoubtedly a gastroenteritis. But the state of the young woman continues to get worse. Back in the emergency room at 6 p.m., she is finally kept under observation. The next morning, the exams reveal the death of the fetus. A few hours later, Samara collapses. She vomits, lost consciousness. But it is already too late. Despite the maneuvers of resuscitation, her death is noted: peritonitis.
Peritonitis: an absolute medical emergency
“Peritonitis is a surgical emergency engaging in vital prognosis”insisted Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency artist and medical director of True Medical in a previous article. It is an acute inflammation of the peritoneum, this thin membrane which lines the abdominal cavity. It generally occurs after the perforation of a digestive organ – appendix, stomach, intestine – or in case of untreated infection.
In children or young adultssome signs must alert immediately:
- Intense, diffuse, persistent abdominal pain;
- Hard belly like a board (contracture);
- Analgesic position (curling);
- High fever, tachycardia, alteration of the general condition.
What about pregnant women? “It’s even more trashy, admits the emergencyistbecause abdominal pain can be confused with symptoms related to pregnancy “. Imaging is limited: the scanner is contraindicated, and ultrasound is sometimes not sufficient or too late to reveal the urgency. However, the recurrence of pain should have alerted professionals.
Every hour counts: the right reflexes to adopt
“”The development of peritonitis can be dazzling, in 24 to 48 hours. Each lost hour reduces the chances of survival “alerts the emergency room. Hence the importance of never trivializing acute abdominal pain, especially accompanied by fever.
Good reflexes in case of suspicion:
- Call 15 immediately or go to the emergency room;
- Do not give drinking or eating;
- Do not administer painkillers without medical advice.
The diagnosis is based on clinical examination, supplemented by imaging examinations. The treatment is exclusively surgical and must be practiced without delay.
“”The golden rule is that any significant abdominal pain, especially with fever, must be taken as an absolute emergency“, Harts Dr. Kierzek.
In Spain, the young woman’s family filed a complaint. A judge ordered the identification of the involved health personnel.