SGH apologise for 4 deaths from Hepatitis C

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4 deaths at renal ward could be linked to Hepatitis C: SGH



A total of 22 patients at a renal ward in Singapore General Hospital have been diagnosed with the Hepatitis C virus.

• A kidney dialysis machine. (File photo: TODAY)

SINGAPORE: Twenty-two patients at a renal ward in the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) have been diagnosed with the Hepatitis C virus. Among them, four have died, possibly from the virus.

In a media conference on Tuesday (Oct 6), SGH said that in early June, the hospital discovered an increased frequency of Hepatitis C virus infections in a renal ward. The hospital subsequently stepped up checks for the virus in patients with abnormal liver function tests in the same ward, and found 22 patients infected.

All 22 patients were admitted and stayed in the newly-renovated Ward 67 between April to June 2015. Among them, eight have died, including four who had “multiple co-morbidities and severe sepsis", and the possibility that the Hepatitis C virus could have been a contributing factor has not been ruled out.

Another three deaths were "thoroughly evaluated" and "no link to the Hepatitis C virus infection has been established". One recent death is pending review.

Of the 22 infected, the youngest is 24 years old, and the remaining are between 50 and 60 years old.
SGH said that all cases were reviewed by a Medical Review Committee, in consultation with the Ministry of Health and chaired by an external senior hepatologist.

SGH said that their initial investigation "indicated that the source of infection might be due to intravenous (IV) injectable agents". The hospital has since taken immediate precautionary measures, even stopping "long established and accepted practices in healthcare institution, such as multi-dosing".

Prof Fong Kok Yong, chairman of SGH's medical board, at the media conference on Oct 6, 2015. (Photo: Justin Ong)


Prof Fong Kok Yong, chairman of SGH’s Medical Board, said that there is "no conclusive evidence" yet as investigations are still ongoing.
He also said that there had been no new cases of Hepatitis C virus infection since they implemented their precautionary measures. Hospital staff who provided care to the renal patients will also be screened.


SGH CEO Prof Ang Chong Lye said: "We would like to apologise unreservedly for the grief, pain and anguish this has caused our patients and families.

"What happens to our patients is always our responsibility. We will spare no effort in reviewing our processes and examining all possible sources of infection to prevent recurrence."

In a press release on Tuesday (Oct 6), the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that it has convened an independent Review Committee to provide "an objective and critical review" of SGH's investigation and findings, as well as "added assurance" and "to glean learning points for the wider healthcare system".

Minister for Health Mr Gan Kim Yong said: "I am gravely concerned and disappointed with the occurrence of the cluster of Hepatitis C cases in SGH."

Hepatitis C is a liver disease that is transmitted by blood-bourne routes, and is not air-borne like SARS.
The average time period from exposure to symptom onset is two to 24 weeks. If left untreated, the long-term effect of the virus is cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.




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