TWO UK transplant patients who died after receiving kidneys infected with parasitic worms were aware their donor had died from meningitis, a doctor has told an inquest.
FATHER-OF-SIX Darren Hughes, 42, and Robert “Jim” Stuart, 67, underwent the procedure at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff last year.
They were given organs from an unnamed 39-year-old alcoholic. Doctors thought the donor had died from “suspected meningitis”, but believed the risk of transmission was low. However, Hughes and Stuart died days apart after what surgeons had regarded as successful operations. Tests later revealed the two men had the parasitic worm halicephalobus gingivalis. Prior to their deaths there had only ever been five cases in humans worldwide, all of which were fatal. Hospital officials insist they were powerless to know about the rare parasite given that tests for it are not routinely carried out – and a post-mortem examination had not been performed on the donor. However, relatives of the two dead men say their loved ones would not have consented if they knew more about their donor’s suspected cause of death. Usman Khalid, clinical research fellow for transplant surgery at UHW, went through the consent form process with both men and said they were told the donor had died from a brain infection. “(They were told) the risk of transmission (from meningitis) was low,” Mr Khalid told Cardiff Coroner’s Court. “An opportunity is given to every patient to decline any surgical procedure. It’s not forced upon them.” After finishing his evidence, Khalid addressed the public gallery filled with relatives of the two men, telling them he was sorry for their loss. Stuart’s widow, Judith, replied, “Well, tell the truth, then.”