Kirinyaga County launches probe after child's fingers cut off due to pneumonia

Kirinyaga County Department of Health has launched investigations into a case where a child's three fingers were cut off in surgery following complications after being diagnosed with pneumonia.

An earlier report had indicated that Baby Yassin Noor's fingers were disarticulated weeks after he was primarily diagnosed with pneumonia.

According to a statement issued by the CEC for Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation George Karoki, county officials are probing the circumstances that led to the surgery in order to determine whether it was a case of negligence.

"The Department of Health is carrying out investigations on the matter of one baby Yassin Noor- I year four months- who went through disarticulation of digits at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital," read the statement.

"Following the incident, the Department of Health has initiated investigations to establish whether there was any negligence with the aim of instituting the appropriate action."

Karoki explains that Baby Noor was first admitted on March 3, 2023, at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital with symptoms of fever, cough and fast breathing which the mother said had gone on for three weeks.

It is here where he was examined and diagnosed with severe pneumonia and admitted for the fourth time since his birth.

"On examination, the baby was diagnosed with severe pneumonia with delayed milestones and admitted in Ward 11 acute room with treatment commencing immediately," stated Karoki.

"This was the 4th admission since the baby was born, the first being at the Newborn unit for birth asphyxia, the second and third being for pneumonia and gastroenteritis respectively."

However, Karoki says, the treatment did not go as expected forcing the baby to be put on second-line treatment alongside occupational therapy after which the surgical team recommended the removal of the fingers after the minor was diagnosed with 'compartment syndrome.'

"On the tenth day, the medical officer conducting rounds noticed swelling and bluish discolouration (gangrene) on tips of the thumb, index and middle finger on the right hand," he explained.

"An urgent Doppler (X-ray) revealed compartment syndrome. Fasciotomy- a procedure to release pressure and increase blood circulation to the fingers was successfully conducted with consent from the parents on 13th March 2023."

Karoki added: "However the desired results were not realized and on March 20, 2023, the surgical team recommended disarticulation (removal of the affected digits), which was conducted with the consent of the parents in order to prevent further spread of the gangrene."

The baby is still admitted but the CEC for Medical Services says his progress is good.