A two-year-old boy, De’Markus Jeremiah Page, died after a doctor at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital allegedly keyed in 15 mmol of potassium phosphate instead of the intended 1.5 mmol, resulting in a tenfold overdose, according to a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by his mother.
How the Error Happened
- The toddler was hospitalised for vomiting, diarrhoea, and critically low potassium.
- His original prescription required 1.5 mmol twice daily, but Dr. Jiabi Chen allegedly deleted the decimal point, changing it to 15 mmol.
- The hospital system reportedly issued a “red flag” overdose warning, but staff still administered the incorrect dose.
- He was already receiving potassium via IV fluids and Pedialyte.
Cardiac Arrest & Brain Damage
- The second incorrect dose was administered at 8:28 pm on Mar. 3, 2024.
- By 9:02 pm, the toddler went into cardiac arrest from hyperkalaemia (dangerously high potassium).
- Staff allegedly struggled to intubate him, requiring 20 minutes to establish an airway, causing severe oxygen deprivation.
- He suffered catastrophic brain damage, seizures, and complications.
- He was kept alive for two weeks before being declared brain dead and dying in his mother’s arms on Mar. 18, 2024.
Family’s Claims
The lawsuit accuses the hospital of:
- Gross negligence
- Preventable medical errors
- Delayed emergency response
- Failure to follow paediatric safety protocols
Mother Dominique Page said:
“They killed my little baby boy… This is every mother’s worst nightmare.”
Hospital’s Statement
UF Health declined to comment, citing patient privacy laws, but said it is committed to protecting patient confidentiality.
Legal Action
The lawsuit seeks at least US$50,000 (S$65,100) for:
- Wrongful death
- Mental pain and suffering of the mother
