Vasopressin Verdict
The Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog reports jury verdicts in medical malpractice cases.
A jury delivered a $70 million verdict to the plaintiff, who tragically suffered bilateral above-the-knee amputations. The verdict found the defendant physicians and their medical practices equally liable for the plaintiff’s devastating injuries. The plaintiff’s legal team successfully argued that the injuries were a direct result of medical malpractice. Specifically, the medical malpractice was the administration of an excessive dose of Vasopressin. In addition, the doctors‘ subsequent mismanagement of her care while she was in the hospital for sepsis and shock. The hospital where the events occurred had previously settled with the plaintiff prior to the start of the trial. Defense attorneys maintained that the plaintiff’s condition was a tragic and highly complex medical emergency. They also claimed that the doctors’ actions were lifesaving and within the accepted standard of care. This report also provides background on the key medical concepts involved and explains medical mechanisms.
The Role of Vasopressin in Medical Treatment
Vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland. Its primary function is to regulate the body’s water balance by controlling the reabsorption of water by the kidneys. It also acts as a powerful vasoconstrictor, meaning it causes blood vessels to narrow. In a medical context, doctors use synthetic vasopressin as a potent medication, primarily in critical care settings. Doctors often administer it as a vasopressor to increase blood pressure in patients who are in a state of shock, particularly septic shock. The rationale behind its use in these situations is to constrict blood vessels and redirect blood flow to vital organs, such as the brain and heart, to prevent organ failure. If the doctor is not careful, vasopressin misuse can result in medical malpractice.
In addition to shock, doctors also use vasopressin to treat diabetes insipidus, a rare condition that causes the body to produce excessive amounts of urine. In this context, it helps the kidneys retain water. The doctor administers the drug intravenously, and the titrates the dosage based on the patient’s blood pressure and other physiological responses. Its powerful effects necessitate close monitoring, as both under-dosing and over-dosing can have severe consequences.
Understanding Above-the-Knee Amputation
An above-the-knee amputation, medically termed a transfemoral amputation, is a major surgical procedure involving the complete removal of the leg at a point above the knee joint. The surgeon performs this procedure when the lower limb is no longer viable and poses a risk to the patient’s life. Common reasons for this surgery include severe trauma that has crushed the limb, uncontrolled infection, or advanced peripheral vascular disease, which has led to a critical lack of blood flow and subsequent tissue death (gangrene). Excessive vasopressin resulting in medical malpractice can also cause the need for this surgery.
The surgical procedure involves several critical steps. The surgeon first makes an incision through the skin and muscle of the thigh. The major blood vessels, including the femoral artery and vein, are identified and ligated (tied off) to prevent excessive bleeding. The surgeon also severs the nerves and carefully manages to prevent the formation of painful nerve endings, known as neuromas. The thigh bone (femur) is then cut with a surgical saw, and the end of the bone is smoothed to create a clean surface. The remaining muscles are shaped and sutured to form a soft, padded stump. Finally, the skin is closed over the stump. The surgery creates a functional residual limb to fit with a prosthesis, allowing for mobility and a good quality of life for the patient.
Vasopressin, Sepsis, and Amputation
With vasopressin medical malpractice, one must first consider the nature of sepsis and septic shock. Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection, which can lead to widespread inflammation and blood clots. Septic shock is a life-threatening stage of sepsis where a patient’s blood pressure drops dangerously low, and their organs begin to fail.
The body’s blood vessels are dilating and leaking. Septic shock can cause blood pressure to plummet. Doctors use medications like Vasopressin to counter this by causing vasoconstriction. However, this action can be a double-edged sword and can lead to medical malpractice. If the dose is too high or the patient’s body is particularly sensitive, the vasoconstriction can become so severe that it cuts off blood flow not only to non-essential areas but also to the extremities.
An excessive dose of vasopressin, combined with already compromised circulation due to sepsis and shock, can lead to a medical malpractice situation of severe and prolonged ischemia (lack of blood flow) to the legs. This lack of oxygen and nutrients to the tissue can cause widespread tissue death, or necrosis. Once the tissue in the legs dies, it can become gangrenous and a source of life-threatening infection. In such a scenario, the only way to save the patient’s life is to remove the necrotic tissue. This may require bilateral above-the-knee amputations.
Conclusion on Vasopressin Medical Malpractice
This report underscores the critical importance of careful medication dosage and patient monitoring in complex medical emergencies. Method and dosage of the vasopressin treatment can constitute medical malpractice that may lead led to devastating injuries. High stakes are involved in critical care medicine and medical error can cause serious consequences. If you have a potential medical malpractice case, contact us now.
Mark Kopec is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. Contact us at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Kopec in a free consultation. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and helps clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Thank you for reading the Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog.