Related videos:
The Pediatric Hospital of Sancti Spíritus has denied that the death of an infant who was treated in its facilities after being diagnosed with a “life-incompatible pathology” was related to the administration of the Pentavalent vaccine, which is used in the national immunization program in Cuba.
According to a report in which they seek to provide their version of events published in the state-run newspaper Escambray, they stated that, since birth, the baby underwent specialized immunology studies, with tests sent to the Immunology Institute in Havana.
An ultrasound of the thymus was also performed to rule out immunodeficiencies, which only showed slight hypoplasia. As part of the protocol, Biomodulina T was administered, and subsequently, vaccines against hepatitis and BCG for tuberculosis were given, both with the same adjuvants as the Pentavalent, without any complications arising.
They assured that the case was evaluated based on specialized literature from pediatric academies in the U.S. and Europe, as well as studies published in high-impact journals, all of which indicate that patients with inborn errors of metabolism can receive their vaccination schedule with the appropriate supervision. They added that the patient met all the necessary requirements.
According to Dr. Magdalena Guirado Espinosa, a specialist in neonatology and pediatrics, all decisions regarding the child's treatment were agreed upon with experts from reference institutions such as the National Center for Medical Genetics and the Institute of Immunology.
Additionally, he emphasized that children with methylmalonic aciduria require careful nutritional management, based on up-to-date literature in various languages to ensure adequate intake according to their condition.
The specialist stated that the medical care for the deceased baby was provided by a trained staff experienced in monitoring children of all ages with inherent metabolic disorders, along with a whole team dedicated to this child's health before and after birth.
These statements contrast with those made by the baby's mother, Ana Aloma, who has publicly accused that her son was a victim of medical negligence.
Aloma claims that, despite the fact that there are other cases of methylmalonic aciduria in Cuba that have been successfully managed, the proper protocols were not followed in her son's case.
It asserts that the Pentavalent vaccine was administered without conducting the recommended prior clinical analyses and that the diet prescribed for their child was inadequate compared to that of other patients with the same illness.
In addition, he directly accuses Dr. Magdalena Guirado Espinosa of negligence and requests her expulsion from the healthcare system, arguing that the professional did not respond to the family's urgent calls.
Recently, she has reported on social media that there are attempts to rehabilitate the image of Dr. Guirado Espinosa through conferences, but she maintains that his medical actions were crucial in the death of her son.
It also rejects the notion that other healthcare workers in Trinidad should be held accountable when the follow-up on the case was under the supervision of provincial authorities.
Despite her pain, Ana Aloma expressed her gratitude to the Intensive Care team at the hospital for their efforts to save her son.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Death of a Baby in Sancti Spíritus and the Pentavalent Vaccination
What is the official cause of death of the baby in Sancti Spíritus?
The Pediatric Hospital of Sancti Spíritus argues that the cause of death is a "pathology incompatible with life" due to methylmalonic aciduria, a rare metabolic disorder. However, the baby's mother, Ana Aloma, denies that this illness is incompatible with life and asserts that her son did not receive appropriate care.
What is the Pentavalent vaccine and why is it related to this case?
The Pentavalent vaccine is used in the national immunization program in Cuba and protects against five diseases. The hospital denies that the Pentavalent vaccine was the cause of the baby's death, while the mother claims it was given without the necessary prior clinical tests, which she considers an act of negligence.
What complaints has Ana Aloma made regarding the medical treatment received by her son?
Ana Aloma has reported that her son was a victim of medical negligence, claiming that the appropriate treatment protocols were not followed. She alleges that the prescribed diet for her son was inadequate and that Dr. Magdalena Guirado Espinosa did not respond to her urgent calls, requesting her removal from the healthcare system.
How has the Cuban healthcare system reacted to the allegations of medical negligence?
In light of the increasing reports of medical negligence in Cuba, authorities often deny the accusations or downplay their impact. In this case, the Pediatric Hospital of Sancti Spíritus defended the treatment provided and denied the connection between the Pentavalent vaccine and the baby's death, while the mother continues to seek justice.
Filed under:
