Sepsis: Dr Chris reveals how to reduce risk of infection
Grieving parents have spoken of their heartbreak following the death of their four-year-old son whose sepsis symptoms were dismissed on multiple occasions.
“Amazing” Daniel Klosi, from Camden, was first taken to A&E at the Royal Free Hospital in London in March this year after his parents suspected he was seriously ill.
As reported by My London, Daniel was given steroids for suspected croup – a common childhood condition that affects the airways – and sent home a few hours later.
Less than a week later his parents, Lindita Alushi, 43, and Kastriot Klosi, 49, took Daniel back to hospital with concerns over his breathing.
According to Lindita and Kastriot, they were discharged in the early hours of the morning and told to give Daniel ibuprofen and Calpol.
Daniel Klosi died aged just four from sepsis (Image: Irwin Mitchell/SWNS)
But Daniel stopped eating so two days later, on Saturday, April 1, they returned to hospital where they were sent home with the same advice as before.
They went back at 4pm that same day and waited in A&E for roughly four hours until he was admitted to the children’s emergency department with suspected sepsis.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition in which the body responds incorrectly to an infection, causing it to attack itself.
Tragically Daniel died just after midnight on April 2. After his death doctors confirmed he had sepsis.
Now Lindita and Kastriot have shared how they felt “helpless” during the whole ordeal.
The couple claim on their last three visits to the hospital they asked doctors to carry out blood tests on Daniel, but they never were.
Daniel pictured with his mum Lindita and dad Kastriot (Image: SWNS/Irwin Mitchell)
- Advert-free experience without interruptions.
- Rocket-fast speedy loading pages.
- Exclusive & Unlimited access to all our content.
Lindita, a pharmacy assistant and qualified doctor in her home country of Albania, said: “Each time we took Daniel to hospital it was because we thought his condition was getting worse.
“We asked for tests such as blood tests and X-rays but it felt like our concerns weren’t fully listened to.”
She continued: “We were getting more concerned about Daniel as it looked to us like his condition was deteriorating.
“When he was admitted to hospital everything seemed to move so quickly and in just a few hours Daniel had died.
“We felt so helpless watching him being taken from us in the most terrible way.
“It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe the last few months and what we’ve been through. If it wasn’t for the hurt and pain we feel each day it would almost seem unreal that Daniel died.”
Daniel pictured in hospital (Image: SWNS/Irwin Mitchell)
Remembering her son, Lindita said: “Daniel was the most amazing little boy and we were so proud he was our son. He loved cooking and baking with me.
“He was just an absolute delight and didn’t deserve to die.”
His dad Kastriot said: “I don’t think we’ll ever get over losing Daniel, especially in the way we did.
“We’d do anything to have him back in our lives but we know that’s not possible.
“One of the hardest things to try and come to terms with is having so many unanswered questions about those final days. We can’t undo what’s happened but the least we can do is at least honour Daniel’s memory by getting the answers we and he deserves.
“The support we’ve had, including from family and friends and charities over the last few months has meant so much to us. I’m not sure we’d have been able to cope if it wasn’t for them.
“However, we feel we deserve answers as to why Daniel died. We also hope that by speaking out we can help raise awareness of sepsis and help others. We wouldn’t wish what we’re going through on anyone.”
Their concerns are currently being looked into by specialist medical negligence lawyers Irwin Mitchell.
The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, has launched an investigation into Daniel’s standard of care.
A Royal Free London spokesperson commented: “We are deeply sorry that Daniel died while under our care and would like to share our sincere and heartfelt condolences with his family.
“An investigation into the care provided to Daniel is ongoing. We have been in regular contact with his parents and have been sharing the findings of the investigation with them as it continues to progress. Once again, we would like to say how deeply sorry we are for their loss.”
Symptoms of sepsis can include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe breathlessness
- A high temperature (fever) or low body temperature
- A change in mental state – like confusion or disorientation
- Slurred speech
- Cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin
- A fast heartbeat
- Fast breathing
- Chills and shivering
- Severe muscle pain
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea.
The NHS advises you to call 999 or go to A&E if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of sepsis.
