Deceased prisoner
Demographics
85y, male
Date of death
2006-06-22
Finding date
2008-11-05
Cause of death
Cachexia due to esophagitis due to HIV infection
AI-generated summary
An 85-year-old prisoner with long-standing HIV infection died from cachexia due to esophagitis while receiving palliative care at a hospital secure unit. He had been admitted with falls and back pain, and investigations excluded fracture and intracranial trauma. Imaging showed age-appropriate changes. Over five days, he deteriorated to immobility and inability to tolerate oral intake. The palliative care team appropriately recommended subcutaneous fentanyl for comfort. The coroner found all applicable protocols were followed, appropriate medical treatment was provided, and death from natural causes was expected. No preventable factors were identified, and staff conduct was appropriate throughout.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Drugs involved
Contributing factors
- advanced HIV infection
- age and frailty
- ischaemic heart disease and coronary atherosclerosis
- inability to tolerate oral intake
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