Finding into death of Baby Kylie Hamilton

0y · Female·perinatal asphyxia

Baby Kylie Hamilton, a 3-day-old neonate, died from perinatal asphyxia following emergency Caesarean delivery during her mother's induced labour. The mother had gestational diabetes and the fetus showed concerning CTG abnormalities from early in labour. Clinical staff appropriately managed most of the labour, but a critical decision point occurred at 2.15pm when syntocinon was recommenced despite inadequate labour progress and concerning fetal heart rate patterns. The coroner found a reasonable clinical basis existed for Caesarean delivery at 2.15pm or 2.45pm. Autopsy revealed the baby had suffered chronic intrauterine hypoxia (weeks to months prior to delivery) due to placental compromise, followed by acute hypoxia during labour. While earlier delivery by Caesarean at 2.45pm might have resulted in a less compromised infant, the coroner could not determine with certainty whether this would have changed the ultimate outcome given the extensive chronic hypoxia.