Finding into death of Raelene Jean Syddall

37y · Female·Unascertained; possibly sudden cardiac arrhythmia

Raelene Syddall, aged 37, died unexpectedly at home on 8 January 2012 after taking prescribed bowel preparation (Picolax) for a colonoscopy. She ingested the preparation according to instructions but appears to have over-consumed water while taking it (6-7 litres). After becoming unwell with nausea, vomiting and appearing to take a prolonged shower, her condition deteriorated rapidly. Paramedics found her in cardiac arrest at home. Autopsy showed pulmonary oedema and revealed possible underlying cardiac arrhythmia (no structural abnormality detected but QT syndrome or other conduction abnormality could not be excluded). The hospital nursing supervisor provided reassurance during an evening phone call but was unaware the full bowel preparation had already been consumed. Clinical lessons include: better pre-procedure education about water intake limits, recognition of rapidly deteriorating condition requiring urgent escalation, and awareness that over-hydration without electrolytes during bowel preparation can be dangerous, particularly in patients with undetected arrhythmia risk.