Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 2/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am wondering if my daughter's death had anything to do with the anesthesia she received earlier in the day. I can't find any information but have come across the Kanye West story. His mom had surgery and went home afterwards she died the next day. I found a story that says the anesthesia is probably the culprit. How would that be? If she woke up and went home why would she die later from the anesthesia? My daughter woke up from anesthesia then came home and died in her sleep. At first I didn't think it was the anesthesia but now I am wondering. Any insight?


ANSWER: I doubt it is related to the anesthesia but without more details of the surgery, the patient, etc., I could not explain why she died. There are several possible explanations that could be related to anesthesia but I would consider them HIGHLY UNLIKELY. Occasionally we see (in patients who were paralyzed for surgery) that after we reverse the paralysis, the reversal wears off and there is still enough of the original agent to paralyze them again. This happens usually while the patient is still in Recovery so it is unlikely to happen that far out. It could also be a delayed case of malignant hyperthermia but this is even rarer. So I can't say why she died and if they didn't do an autopsy we may never know. To be on the safe side, if anyone else in your family needs surgery, make sure to tell the anesthesiologist what happened to you daughter so they can take appropriate precautions.

Sorry for your loss,

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: She didn't have any surgery, she was only being sedated for a test. She was just a baby but was full term when she was born and always very healthy. The test results came back 2 days after she died to show she had no problem with her spine wich is what they were looking for. They did do an autopsy but haven't found any reason yet. They also did the toxicology but I haven't heard. I am afraid they will rule it SIDS but I just find that highly unlikely. It was her first nap after coming home from the hospital. I did talk to one medical professional who said something similar to what you said about the effects wearing off but then coming back. There are of course 100 other things I could bring up but was just trying to figure out what the possiblites were. I appreciate any insight you may have.

Answer
Unfortunately I have nothing else to offer you. SIDS is a diagnosis of exclusion so if that is the final determination, it means they have no idea what caused this. I would doubt it is related to anesthesia but I have no way to tell and I'm afraid you may never find out unless the toxicology comes back with something.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston