Patient received antibiotics - died of blood clots in the lungs

A man in Sundsvall who repeatedly sought care for prolonged cough, fatigue and breathing difficulties was given an incorrect diagnosis and treatment.

The records show that the man sought help from the health center in June 2017. He then met a nurse who consulted a doctor. The man was given broad-spectrum antibiotics. The record does not indicate that the doctor examined the patient.

On July 3, the man met the doctor. He was then dry in the throat and had recurring difficulties in breathing. He felt his heart beat fast. The ECG was taken and the doctor assessed that it had changed compared to an ECG that was taken a few years before.

Therefore, the patient was advised to book a new time for further examination.

But the note in the journal has subsequently been changed by the doctor, notes IVO. Something there is no reasonable reason to do, they mean, writing in their decision that both medical history and research findings have changed.

Among other things, the doctor has changed information that the man had recurring difficulties in breathing, that he often had difficulty breathing through the nose.

The IVO believes that the ECG change in combination with the patient's data on respiratory distress and palpitations should have led to a conclusion if possible life-threatening condition and a referral to the emergency department.

The patient was admitted to Sundsvall Hospital a week later and there X-ray showed several blood clots in the lungs and heart. After four days, the man dies.

The Inspectorate for Health and Care, IVO, criticizes the doctor for inadequate medical treatment. The care provider is also considered to have failed in its control that good care is maintained in the business.

According to IVO, the disease picture in pulmonary embolism can vary greatly, from mild symptoms to acute shortness of breath. They also believe that it is unclear whether the patient's serious illness could have been detected earlier, but feel that in the event of new signs of illness, there should be consideration if there are signs of acute life-threatening conditions.

They also write that it is not considered good and safe care to prescribe antibiotics without examining the patient patient, or to change medical records several weeks after a visit.