This case involves a patient who underwent a normal vaginal delivery. The placenta was examined by pathology and was reported as intact and normal-appearing. The patient was discharged home on time. A week post-delivery, the patient returned to the emergency room in respiratory distress with signs and symptoms of severe sepsis. She was admitted to the ICU and later died during that same hospitalization. An autopsy was performed and the cause of death was reported as sepsis.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. How frequently do you evaluate and treat patients suffering from sepsis?
2. What criteria are used to evaluate the need for initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics and the hospital's sepsis protocol?
Expert Witness Response E-001199
I am board certified in both pulmonary and critical care medicine. I am actively practicing and I see peripartum patients in an academic practice setting. As an intensivist, I treat suspect and confirmed sepsis every week. We use widely accepted SCCM criteria for the detection and protocolized treatment of sepsis. Early antibiotics are clearly associated with improved sepsis survival. I have treated peripartum sepsis on multiple occasions. From an expert review perspective, I have reviewed at least 2 other cases of peripartum sepsis.
About the author
Victoria Negron
Victoria Negron has extensive experience in journalism and thought leadership in the legal space, with a background crafting content, whitepapers, webinars, and current event articles pertaining to the role of expert witnesses in complex litigation matters. She is a skilled professional specializing in B2B product marketing and content marketing. Currently, she serves as an Enterprise Product Marketing Manager at Postman, and previously held the position of Technical Product Marketing Manager at Palantir Technologies, where she developed her skills in launch strategies, go-to-market strategy, and competitive analysis.
Her expertise in content marketing was further refined during her tenure at the Expert Institute, where she progressed from a Marketing Writer to Senior Content Marketing Manager, and eventually to Associate Director of Content & Product Marketing. In these roles, she honed her abilities in digital marketing, SEO, content strategy, and thought leadership.
Educationally, Victoria holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida - Warrington College of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Art, and Hispanic Studies from Hamilton College. Her diverse educational background and professional experience have equipped her with a robust skill set in product marketing, content development, and strategic marketing initiatives.
