Early monitoring could have saved Jacqui

AN INDEPENDENT inquiry into the death of a young woman following IVF treatment has concluded the main cause of death could have been prevented.

The report found Jacqueline Rushton would not have developed severe breathing difficulties if the fluid imbalance in her body from a negative reaction to IVF had been controlled earlier.

The conclusion by a British professor in reproductive medicine came along with a number of criticisms about the 32-year-old’s care at Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital.

Ms Rushton had begun IVF treatment in late 2002 after she and her husband Danny could not have children. Just a few days into treatment, however, she developed Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).

The Raheny-born hospital worker’s body became “waterlogged” and produced excessive amounts of oestrogen levels.

Yesterday’s independent report said the early control of fluid, which was swelling up her abdomen, might have stopped Ms Rushton developing severe breathing problems.

A coroner ruled severe respiratory problems caused her death.

The HSE inquiry concluded: “It is probable that appropriate and early management of the fluid balance changes related to OHSS would have prevented the subsequent development of severe respiratory problems.”

Other findings included:

* Problems in the management of her care after her transfer to the Rotunda.

* A lack of senior control and overall accountability for her care.

* Inconsistent compliance with established obstetric and gynaecology guidelines dealing with her fluid imbalance.

* A failure of understanding over consent for treatment between the private reproduction clinic attached to the Rotunda and Mr and Ms Rushton.

The report noted that matters relating to her fluid imbalance and disorder were recorded in notes.

However, it added that “some appropriate actions were not always taken”.

A number of changes for the Human Assisted Reproduction Ireland unit, attached to the Rotunda itself, and other maternity hospitals were also recommended.

In-house rules for the management of OHSS should be updated with the most recent guidelines from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, it added.