Inquest into the death of Sebastian Barry Davis
Deceased
Sebastian Barry Davis
Demographics
10y, male
Date of death
2000-07-29
Finding date
2001-03-09
Cause of death
Septic arthritis of the left shoulder with acute heart failure resulting from toxic effects of infection
AI-generated summary
Sebastian Barry Davis, aged 10, died from septic arthritis of the left shoulder resulting in acute heart failure. He had congenital sensory neuropathy with anhidrosis from birth, causing inability to sweat and lack of pain sensation, leading to multiple serious complications including bilateral leg amputations and recurrent infections. He was in state care under Family, Youth & Children's Services and placed with foster carer Barbara Geraghty from 1995 until his death. In his final weeks, he experienced weight loss and lethargy attributed to poorly controlled osteomyelitis at multiple sites. His attending paediatrician Dr C. had managed his complex medical needs throughout his life. The coroner found no suspicious circumstances and commended his carers for providing excellent, loving care that extended his life expectancy beyond the three years initially predicted at birth.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- Congenital sensory neuropathy with anhidrosis predisposing to recurrent joint infections and degenerative changes
- Poorly controlled osteomyelitis at multiple sites in final weeks of life
- Loss of pain sensation preventing early detection of infection
- Inability to thermoregulate
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