Inquest into the death of Wren Marion Preo

AI-generated summary

Baby Wren Marion Preo, born at term after precipitate labour at Atherton Hospital in Queensland, died at approximately 8 hours of age from hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy secondary to severe meconium aspiration that occurred in utero. Born with poor Apgar scores (4 at 1 minute, 6 at 5 and 10 minutes) and copious meconium staining, immediate resuscitation was initiated with appropriate escalation including MET call and emergency retrieval from Townsville University Hospital. Despite sustained aggressive resuscitation and tertiary specialist involvement, the severe lung injury from sequestered meconium created both a physical barrier and inflammatory thickening of alveolar membranes, preventing adequate gas exchange. The coroner found maternal antenatal care appropriate, including timely GBS prophylaxis, and neonatal resuscitation competent and guideline-concordant. Meconium aspiration could not have been detected antenatally, and no alternative management would have altered the outcome. No preventable errors were identified.

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