DISKIN Eliana

5y · Female·disseminated candidiasis secondary to protein-energy malnutrition

Eliana Diskin, aged 5 months, died from disseminated candidiasis secondary to severe protein-energy malnutrition. After ceasing breastfeeding in late October 2000, her parents fed her exclusively with unfortified rice milk supplemented with herbal products, following advice from alternative practitioners associated with their chiropractic clinic. The infant developed oral and cutaneous thrush in October; the attending GP advised return in 5 days if unresolved, but parents did not attend. Family members observed progressive deterioration during December, but parents delayed seeking medical attention until December 16, when she presented in septic shock with hepatic dysfunction and renal failure. Transfer to Royal Children's Hospital for intensive care with mechanical ventilation, hemofiltration, antibiotics, and antifungals followed, but she died December 26. The coroner found the parents' failure to ensure adequate nutrition and unreasonable delay in seeking medical care directly caused the death. Healthcare providers' conduct was not criticized.