An autopsy performed on the body of first-time mom Keisha Ayers has revealed had 13 gallstones in her bladder which caused an infection. It also revealed she developed blood clots.
The autopsy was done yesterday at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex mortuary, Mount Hope.
Relatives of Ayers’ common-law-husband Juma Charles went to the hospital to identify her body and view the autopsy, as he was too distraught to even leave his Chennette Crescent, Santa Rosa Heights, Arima, home.
The report revealed the cause of death was due to bilateral pulmonary thrombo-emboli; Deep vein thrombosis and cholelithiasis.
A medical doctor, who wished not to be identified, told the T&T Guardian that bilateral pulmonary thrombo-emboli was a serious, potentially life-threatening condition.
“It is due to a blockage in a blood vessel in the lungs. A patient can experience chest pains or breathlessness. It is so serious it can cause collapse and death. It happens when there are blood clots in the leg.
“Prompt treatment is important and can be life saving even to pregnant women and women who have already given birth,” he added.
In the case of a C-section, deep vein thrombosis would make the mother susceptible to developing a blood clot than if she gives birth vaginally because surgery carries a risk of blood clots, he said.
Cholelithiasis, the doctor explained, was when gallstones were formed due to blockage in the ducts of the gallbladder which causes inflammation or infection.
“Gallstones are common in women during the postpartum state because of the action on various hormones in the body,” the doctor said.
Consultant gynaecologist Dr Jehan Ali told CNC3 last night that the mortality rate for a pulmonary embolus can be as high as 80 per cent. He said obesity is a major contributing factor to the condition.
But Ali said it was only if it was detected that a patient was put on medication as it was not routine to administer those drugs to a patient. He said a blood clot could occur during delivery and up to 14 days after giving birth.
Ali said Ayers’ vomiting was unusual but he believed she should have been assessed to determine the reason before discharge.
Minister of Health Dr Fuad Khan said an investigation has been launched into Ayers’ death and investigators were expected to conduct a thorough examination of her medical history.
Husband in shock
Speaking with the T&T Guardian at his home yesterday, Charles, who held baby Daniel in his arms, was inconsolable. He said he did not understand how Ayers would have developed a blood clot in the legs.
“This is too much. It is too much to understand. I cannot understand it. She had no injury to her legs. She was good,” he said.
Asked if he knew whether there were any personnel from the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Registrar present for direct involvement in the operation as required, Charles said he was not allowed in the theatre for the procedure.
Charles said he met Ayers on social networking site Facebook five years ago and described her as his “soldier.” He said both her parents died when she was very young and she was raised by her sisters in their hometown at Navet Village, Rio Claro.
“She was too good. I don’t have any bad memory of her at all. She was real genuine and stood by my side through thick and thin.
“She always gave me great advice. We just had a connection that I cannot even describe in words,” Charles said with tears rolling down his cheeks.
“I lied to her. I told her everything is going to be alright but it wasn’t. Now she is gone,” he added as he was comforted by his brother, Kambon.
Charles held baby Daniel close to his chest during the interview and never let him go. At intervals he would look the baby in his face and ask him if he was okay.
Ayers’ will be laid to rest tomorrow in Rio Claro.
Complications after C-section
After going through labour for over 12 hours, first-time mother Keisha Ayers was taken to the operating theatre on April 9 2015 for an emergency C-section.
At about 9.22 pm that same day, baby Daniel Charles was born. He was a healthy baby and weighed close to eight pounds.
Ayers’ common-law-husband, Juma Charles, claimed he was told by doctors his baby had to be hospitalised for a few days because he had been infected with bacteria in his blood and had to be placed on antibiotics. Ayers was discharged on April 13.
Charles said in the days that followed Ayers complained about excruciating pains and her legs “locking up." He said he thought that was normal for someone who underwent C-section. When her pains grew worst and she began to grow very weak, Charles attempted to take her to the hospital last Friday.
But while attempting to leave the house, Ayers fell to the ground and told him she could not go on because she did not have the strength. She was taken to the Arima District Hospital via ambulance but was pronounced dead on arrival.