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Autopsy reveals cause of Nakuru woman's death after childbirth
Elizabeth Wairimu, 27, died at the Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital after developing complications hours after undergoing a C-section.
What you need to know:
- The postmortem, conducted on Saturday afternoon at the hospital mortuary, was overseen by government pathologist Dr Titus Ngulungu.
- The hospital administration, led by Medical Superintendent, met with the family both before and after the postmortem examination.
A postmortem examination has confirmed that respiratory distress caused the death of Elizabeth Wairimu, a Nakuru woman who died just hours after giving birth.
Ms Wairimu died at the Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital on April 19, after developing breathing complications shortly after undergoing a caesarean section.
The postmortem, conducted on Saturday afternoon at the hospital mortuary, was overseen by government pathologist Dr Titus Ngulungu, family pathologist Dr Isaac Abdi, and witnessed by family members.
Addressing the press after the examination, Dr Ngulungu said an external assessment of the body revealed signs of oxygen deficiency prior to death, evidenced by cyanosis (a bluish discoloration) on her fingernails.
He explained that a closer internal examination showed significant findings in the lungs.
“We observed that the alveolar pattern of the lungs was obliterated by a pneumonic process," Dr Ngulungu said.
"We suspect the inflammatory reaction was caused by amniotic fluid embolism. When the fluid enters the lungs, it triggers a severe inflammatory response, leading to fluid accumulation that blocks oxygen distribution throughout the body."
"Despite breathing or receiving oxygen, the distribution was impaired, ultimately resulting in respiratory distress and death," he added.
Family pathologist Dr Abdi said samples had been taken for histology and toxicology to provide further confirmation.
"The current cause of death, based on visible findings, is respiratory distress due to pulmonary embolism," Dr Abdi said.
"However, a conclusive report will follow after microscopic analysis."
The hospital administration, led by Medical Superintendent Dr James Waweru, met with the family both before and after the postmortem examination.
The mortuary was unusually busy during the procedure, underscoring the gravity of the case. Ms Wairimu’s family awaits the full report for final closure.