Finding into death of Susan June Mahoney

74y · Female·Acute renal failure complicating decreased oral intake in the setting of Angelman syndrome

Susan June Mahoney, a 74-year-old woman with Angelman syndrome, died from acute renal failure secondary to progressively declining oral intake. From April 2025, staff observed reduced food and fluid intake with swallowing difficulties. Despite initial GP assessment and two hospital admissions where reversible causes were excluded, her oral intake continued to decline as a manifestation of progressive neurological disease. After ruling out treatable pathology, a palliative care approach was adopted. The coroner found her care was reasonable and appropriate throughout, with medical teams appropriately involving family in shared decision-making. This case highlights the clinical challenge of managing progressive neurological decline in severely disabled patients, the importance of early recognition of irreversible conditions, and the value of family-centred care planning in complex disability situations.