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| Destiny Hager, Aged 3 |
On April 3, 2006 three year-old Destiny Hager was carried through the doors of Morris County Hospital at 11:20 p.m, she had been complaining of a stomach ache.
An X-ray revealed her colon was blocked.
The following morning at 7:40 a.m., Destiny stopped breathing inside Room 11. A minister was called.
She was briefly resuscitated, just long enough for her to utter the words, "I love you", to her parents Greg and Angela Hager. Shortly after, Morris County called for a helicopter to transfer Destiny to Children’s Mercy.
Destiny was pronounced dead at 10:34 a.m. on April 4 following a 45-minute flight.
Could destiny's death have been prevented?
Let's look at some of the facts:
Destiny died of fecal impaction and had “antipsychotic drugs present in concentrations considered therapeutic in adults.”
Destiny had been diagnosed with diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she was prescribed Geodon and Seroquel. The dosage of Seroquel was ramped up to 600 milligrams per day by her treating pediatric psychiatrist Dr. Vernon L. Kliewer, MD.
Disciplinary action has since been imposed upon Kliewer.
So, what kind of action?
Well, he wasn't charged with anything, it was the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts who, along with Kliewer, entered into an agreement that would restrict his license to practice medicine and surgery by placing that licence on probation.
Kliewer voluntary excluded treating children under the age of six and was ordered to pay costs to the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts of $13,079, about £8,000. (final figure not seen in documents below)
This after it was found that Kliewer allegedly, with regard to the care and treatment of six patients, Destiny and five other children ranging in age from 2 to 5, deviated from the standard of care, inappropriately prescribed prescription medications, and failed to properly document the patients medical records. Kliewer did not admit to the allegations but for the purpose of the consent order did not contest the allegations.
Kliewer was ordered to complete the CPEP Patient Care Documenation Seminar, an interactive, eight-hour small group course.
Geodon has not been shown to be safe or effective in the treatment of children and teenagers under the age of 18 years old. [1]
The effects of Seroquel have only been studied in children aged between 10 and 17 years with mania and in children aged between 13 and 17 years with schizophrenia. There is not enough information on its effects in children to recommend its use in other age groups or for other conditions. [2]
Yet they were both prescribed by Kliewer to a 3 year-old girl.
Here's a tribute video I found on YouTube.
Rest in Peace little one.
Bob Fiddaman
[1] GEODON® Patient Information Leaflet
[2] SEROQUEL® Patient Information Leaflet
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