Finding into death of Karenne King

52y · Female·end-stage liver failure and congenital hepatic fibrosis

Karenne King, a 52-year-old woman with intellectual disability living in Department of Human Services care, died from end-stage liver failure and congenital hepatic fibrosis. She had a long-standing history of congenital hepatic fibrosis complicated by portal hypertension and ascites, managed through the liver clinic at Box Hill Hospital with multiple gastroscopies from 2008 onwards. Her condition deteriorated progressively through late 2010, requiring increasing hospitalisation. Following assessment by the Palliative Care Team in January 2011, she was transferred to the Peter James Centre briefly before returning to hospital and then to Wantirna Palliative Care Unit for end-of-life care in late January. The coroner found that care provided throughout her life was appropriate. This case illustrates the trajectory of progressive liver disease and the importance of timely palliative care involvement in end-stage chronic illness.