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| 2.AUTHOR | Wenner-W-J-Jr, Lambert-R. |
|---|---|
| INSTITUTION | Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey. |
| TITLE | Delayed diagnosis of infantile meningitis. Medical and legal outcomes. |
| SOURCE | Qual-Assur-Util-Rev 1991 Fall, VOL: 6 (3), P: 82-4, ISSN: 0885-713X. |
ABSTRACT
While the diagnosis of meningitis in the infant can be difficult due to the lack of definitive signs, a delay in the diagnosis can markedly increase morbidity and mortality. Eighteen cases of meningitis that were reported to a malpractice carrier over 75 months were evaluated for medical and legal outcome. Fourteen had a delay in diagnosis that was judged to have occurred due to substandard care. All had a poor outcome; one half died and the other half had neurologic complications. Four cases resulted in payment to the patient. Median payment was $1,100,000. When care was standard, no payment or legal action occurred. Author.
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