Bangkok: Ang Thong Hospital has issued a statement addressing the recent death of an infant who had been in critical condition since birth. The Ang Thong Provincial Public Health Office, in conjunction with the Director of Ang Thong Hospital, elaborated on the treatment processes involved in newborn deaths during a press conference. The infants suffered from severe congenital illnesses, including pulmonary hypertension and respiratory distress, both of which are known for their high mortality rate post-birth. Identified risk factors included maternal diabetes, high blood pressure, poorly managed blood sugar levels prior to pregnancy, and failure to attend scheduled check-ups.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Taweechok Rojaramkul, Ang Thong Provincial Public Health Officer, along with Ms. Parichat Tirawat, Director of Ang Thong Hospital, and a team of pediatricians, obstetricians, gynecologists, and nurses, provided a detailed explanation regarding the causes of death in the newborns. The findings highlighted that the primary causes were severe birth-related illnesses like pulmonary hypertension and respiratory distress. Maternal health issues such as uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension before pregnancy, coupled with missed medical appointments, resulted in abnormally high birth weights and critical health conditions in the newborns.
In response to concerns about catering practices, the hospital clarified that serving meals in the NICU did not lead to infections. The infants were housed in enclosed incubators, preventing direct contact with any food, and were attended by three nurses who did not partake in the meals. Nonetheless, Ang Thong Hospital has since banned catering in all hospital rooms and initiated a committee to investigate the incident and consider disciplinary measures against the involved staff.
Additionally, addressing the family's concerns about a suspected collapsed skull, the hospital explained that the appearance was due to shaving the infant's head to access blood vessels for treatment. The swelling observed was attributed to the infant's critical condition, where the blood vessels failed to maintain adequate fluid levels. The hospital appealed for public understanding, acknowledging the severe impact of the situation on their staff, who have been striving to provide the best care possible.