Washington DC Metro Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog

Stein, Mitchell & Muse LLP has medical malpractice lawyers who have worked on galactosemia related cases in the Washington DC area. Galactosemia is an inherited disorder in which the body is unable to metabolize galactose, a type of sugar found in milk. People with galactosemia must avoid all forms of milk, human or animal, including products containing dry milk, and other foods with galactose for life. Infants can be fed with soy formula, meat-based formula, Nutramigen, or any other lactose-free formula. If fed milk, an infant with galactosemia will have substances made from galactose build up in their system. These toxic substances will damage the brain, liver, kidneys, and eyes, causing cataracts, cirrhosis of the liver, mental retardation, delayed speech development, tremors and uncontrollable motor functions, and many other serious injuries. This condition is not the same as being lactose intolerant; galactosemia is far more serious. Lactose intolerance will likely result in abdominal pain, whereas galactosemia can cause serious irreversible effects or even death.

Inborn errors of metabolism, also known as inherited metabolic disease and congenital metabolic disease, are defects of genes. Newborns must be tested without delay; otherwise, harmful, irreversible effects can occur within the newborn's first few days of life. Screening now tests for over one hundred disorders, including galactosemia. If there is a family history of galactosemia, the fetus should be tested in utero. Prenatal diagnosis is possible by directly measuring the enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase. Infants with galactosemia can develop signs and symptoms in the first few days of life if they are given formula or breast milk that contains lactose. These signs and symptoms include but are not limited to convulsions, irritability, lethargy, poor feeding, poor weight gain, jaundice, vomiting, amino acids in the urine and blood plasma, enlarged liver, fluid in the abdomen, or low blood sugar. When the health care provider fails to test (or a misdiagnosis occurs), toxic substances will begin accumulating in the infant's body putting the newborn's health at risk.

If you or a loved one suffered medical negligence or malpractice related to galactosemia or other diagnostic testing that your newborn should have received but did not receive, our experienced team can help. Contact our office today for a free consultation.

We hope you enjoyed this series by Laurie A. Amell, a nurse and an attorney who practices law in the Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. Ms. Amell is a partner at Stein, Mitchell & Muse LLP, a Washington D.C. law firm conveniently located in D.C. across the street from the Mayflower Hotel at the Farragut North Metro station.

See part one, two, three and four. See the related birth injury series.

The medical malpractice attorneys at Stein, Mitchell & Muse LLP have experience working with complicated pregnancy related cases in the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), also called gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, toxemia, or toxemia of pregnancy, is one of the complications of pregnancy that can occur. PIH is when an expectant mother experiences swelling from fluid retention, and high blood pressure (i.e., 160/100), as well as having protein present in the urine.

While some swelling is normal during pregnancy, it may be a sign of PIH if you experience some swelling that does not resolve or that is accompanied by rapid or sudden weight gain, high blood pressure, or protein in the urine. Other symptoms of PIH include dizziness, abdominal pain, severe headaches, changes in reflexes, visual disturbances, decreased or bloody urination, or excessive vomiting and nausea.

Mild PIH can be treated at home with a quiet, restful environment with limited activity or bed rest. It is important that you follow the diet and fluid intake guidelines from your health care provider and maintain your scheduled appointments. Your perception of fetal movement every three hours is also important. Any changes need to be reported to your health care provider immediately.

If your PIH worsens, hospital admission will be necessary so you can be closely monitored. High blood pressure is treated with medication, and magnesium is given through an IV to prevent seizures. PIH is serious as it can prevent the placenta from receiving enough blood, which can cause low birth weight in your baby. Although rare, other complications are also possible, including placental abruption, maternal seizures, temporary kidney failure, liver problems, or blood clotting problems. Severe cases may require early delivery. Blood pressure usually returns to normal after delivery. Sometimes, however, it may remain high, requiring medication. As preeclampsia can be confused with other diseases, physicians should consider PIH in pregnant women beyond 20 weeks gestation with these symptoms.

We have had successful cases involving PIH claims. Please schedule a consultation with our law firm if you believe that you or your child were injured because of improper treatment of PIH.

See part one, two and three. See the related birth injury series.

While often thought of as commonplace and fundamental, pregnancy is an amazingly complex process which unfortunately can be plagued with a variety of complications. One fairly common condition is called placenta praevia, in which the placenta, the organ that nourishes the developing fetus, grows in the lowest part of the womb covering the cervix.

There are different degrees of placenta praevia including low lying (the placenta does not infringe on the cervical os), marginal (when the placenta grows against but does not actually cover the opening of the cervix), partial and complete (placenta covers the top of the cervix). Risk factors include having an abnormal uterus, having multiples like twins or triplets, and having many previous pregnancies or scarring of the uterine wall from c-sections, surgery, or abortion.

The concern with this condition is that it can in some cases cause sudden and severe bleeding, putting both mother and baby in danger. The primary symptom of placenta praevia is spontaneous and painless vaginal bleeding (bright red) around the late second or early third trimester. However, it is usually confirmed through ultrasounds, before any bleeding occurs. Doctors typically will order pelvic rest and reduced activity to try to prevent bleeding. Additionally, most women with placenta praevia will require cesarean section delivery, which can be performed on an emergency basis if there is heavy life-threatening bleeding, to prevent death to themselves or their baby. Because of this, placenta praevia greatly increases the risk of having a preterm delivery.

When pregnancy problems occur it is important to receive prompt and proper medical treatment. If you or a loved one are a victim of malpractice involving placenta praevia, schedule a free consultation today. We have experience successfully handling medical malpractice cases involving this and other pregnancy complications. We are conveniently located in DC on the Red Line at Farragut North.

See part one and two. See the related birth injury series.