Finding into death of Glenn Raymond Johns

41y · Male·Aspiration pneumonitis in a setting of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

Glenn Raymond Johns, a 41-year-old man with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, intellectual disability, and severe gastro-oesophageal reflux, died from aspiration pneumonitis following recurrent aspiration episodes. He had experienced 64 previous admissions for aspiration pneumonia. During his final admission to Box Hill Hospital in May 2008, he developed aspiration pneumonia after PEG feeding was recommenced. Despite insertion of a jejunal feeding tube via gastroscopy and multiple treatment modalities including antibiotics, steroids, oxygen, and physiotherapy, his condition deteriorated rapidly and he died. Clinical Liaison Service review found no issues of concern with his medical management, which the coroner deemed reasonable and appropriate given his complex medical conditions and significant dependency needs.