Coronial
VIChospital

Finding into death of Sheryl Yvonne Martell

Deceased

SHERYL YVONNE MARTELL

Demographics

49y, female

Coroner

Deputy State Coroner Paresa Spanos

Date of death

2010-06-26

Finding date

2011-09-05

Cause of death

aspiration pneumonia complicating cerebral palsy

AI-generated summary

Ms Sheryl Yvonne Martell, a 49-year-old woman with cerebral palsy and severe intellectual disability residing in a group home, died from aspiration pneumonia. She was admitted to hospital on 21 June 2010 after vomiting and was treated with antibiotics including Benzylpenicillin, Metronidazole, and subsequently Timentin following infectious diseases consultation. Despite appropriate treatment, she deteriorated and was managed palliatively with a not-for-resuscitation order. The coroner found no evidence that any want of clinical care or management contributed to her death. The case highlights the inherent risks of aspiration in patients with cerebral palsy and severe disability, despite appropriate group home support and timely hospital care.

AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.

Specialties

general practiceemergency medicineinfectious diseasespalliative care

Drugs involved

benzylpenicillinmetronidazoleticarcillin/clavulanate

Clinical conditions

aspiration pneumoniacerebral palsysevere intellectual disabilityrecurrent seizures

Contributing factors

  • cerebral palsy
  • severe intellectual disability
  • aspiration risk
Full text

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