Doctor’s Miss a Diagnosis of Leukemia in Young Boy; Patient Dies Within Three Weeks

ByMichael Talve, CEO

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Updated onJanuary 10, 2022

Doctor’s Miss a Diagnosis of Leukemia in Young Boy; Patient Dies Within Three Weeks

This case involves a young boy who originally presented to the hospital with complaints of abdominal pain and fever. The patient was never given a proper workup and was discharged home that same day. He was brought back to the hospital a week later with a high fever, intractable diarrhea, and seizure-like activity. The patient was transferred to a tertiary care center where they finally diagnosed him with end-stage leukemia. The boy died several weeks later without ever receiving a full medical workup or disease intervention plan.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. What basic tests should have been ordered to rule out malignant disease?

Expert Witness Response E-004792

inline imageAbdominal pain in kids is a very common presenting symptom with a substantial differential diagnosis list. Occasionally it is indicative of a more serious medical problem. The evaluation of abdominal pain and fever is guided in part by the clinical picture. It's really the fever in this setting that tends to make me a little more nervous. At a minimum, I would consider a complete blood count and urine studies to assess for infection or other inflammatory disorders. Serum chemistry would help define the degree of dehydration the patient might be suffering from as well as identify any metabolic derangement. In patients with a history of diarrhea, appropriate stool studies might be considered. X-ray studies may not be required based upon the exam and history. It is possible that earlier diagnosis could have changed the outcome for this patient.

About the author

Michael Talve, CEO

Michael Talve, CEO

Michael Talve stands at the forefront of legal innovation as the CEO and Managing Director of Expert Institute. Under his leadership, the Expert Institute has established itself as a vital player in the legal technology arena, revolutionizing how lawyers connect with world-class experts and access advanced legal technology. Michael's role involves not only steering the company's strategic direction but also ensuring the delivery of unparalleled intelligence and cutting-edge solutions to legal professionals. His work at Expert Institute has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of attorneys in case preparation and execution, making a significant impact on the legal industry's approach to expert consultation and technological integration. Michael's vision and execution have positioned the Expert Institute as a key facilitator in the intersection of law and technology.

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