TVM SAT woman's death: Shivapriya died of septic shock, say hospital authorities

Thiruvananthapuram: The SAT Hospital for Women and Children Hospital authorities on Sunday said that Shivapriya (26), who died days after delivery, succumbed to septic shock despite receiving expert medical care.

Hospital officials clarified that both Shivapriya and her newborn were healthy during their stay at the hospital and that she was discharged only after confirming her stable condition through medical tests.

“She was referred to SAT from another hospital on October 19 due to reduced foetal movement. As she had completed 37 weeks of pregnancy, labour was induced, and she delivered the baby on October 22. She was discharged on October 24 after ensuring full recovery,” the hospital superintendent said.

However, Shivapriya returned to the hospital on October 26 with fever and diarrhoea. Doctors diagnosed her with septic shock and immediately admitted her to the multidisciplinary ICU. A special medical board coordinated her treatment, but her condition deteriorated, and she died at 11.50 am on Sunday.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Septic shock is a serious condition where the body overreacts to an infection, damaging its own organs. If not treated quickly, it can lead to organ failure, shock, or even death.

Hospital authorities said 17 deliveries were conducted on October 22, the day Shivapriya gave birth, and no complications were reported in any other cases. They also pointed out that the hospital maintains a 98 per cent score under the Union government’s LaQshya guidelines. The microbiology department had certified the labour room and operation theatre as sterile following routine disinfection tests on October 18.

“Most patients referred here are already in critical condition, often from private hospitals. SAT consistently maintains one of the lowest maternal and infant mortality rates in the state,” the superintendent said, adding that doctors had made every possible effort to save Shivapriya.