Inquest into the Death of Baby E (Name Subject to Suppression Order)

0y · Male·Complications of VATER syndrome and sacrococcygeal teratoma

Baby E was a 7-month-old neonate with VATER syndrome and sacrococcygeal teratoma who died from complications of these conditions. He was born prematurely at 30 weeks, requiring intubation and ventilation, and remained in Perth Children's Hospital for over 5 months with multiple complex medical conditions requiring multidisciplinary surgical and medical management. Following deterioration and development of end-stage renal failure with a progressively enlarging spinal tumour, a compassionate decision was made to transition to palliative care in December 2019. Baby E was discharged to his grandmother's care just before Christmas 2019 and died at home on 1 February 2020. The coroner found the medical care at all hospitals was of high standard and the Department's involvement in his care was appropriate. No preventable factors were identified.