'Clear lack of awareness' over condition that killed three-year-old girl

A coroner has slammed a 'clear lack of awareness' of a condition that killed a three-year-old girl in a hospital.

Coroner Alan Wilson for Blackpool and Fylde has said there were 'missed opportunities' by clinicians to spot her illness, and warned he is concerned that other children could potentially succumb to the same rare disease unless measures are put in place to increase awareness among doctors.

Ryleigh Hillcoat Bee passed away on November 8, 2021 from a cardiac arrest, having been admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital the previous night. She had been taken to hospital three months prior on August 9, displaying lethargy and weakness. Several abnormal findings were noted but these were only recognised as symptoms of a fatal metabolic disorder after her tragic death, reports Lancs Live.

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Tests conducted at Newcastle and Sheffield exposed her suffering from Lipin 1 deficiency, resulting in her acquiring the uncommon condition, rhabdomyolysis. This can induce cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, which ultimately led to her untimely death.

The coroner for Blackpool and Fylde, Alan Wilson, highlighted in his narrative conclusion following a three-day inquest commencing June 19 this year, that the hospital had squandered opportunities to thoroughly investigate Ryleigh's mobility decline before discharging her three months preceding her death.

He highlighted that increased awareness might have helped identify her worsening condition as a neuromuscular issue. In his report, Mr Wilson said: "Ryleigh died from a rare condition, but one known to affect young children."

"There is a clear lack of awareness of the condition amongst paediatricians in general