suspicious death in Paris of two premature babies – Le Parisien

THREE POISONING, and premature death two a month of silence. The Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) waited yesterday to reveal that, since 6 August, three babies, all very preterm (less than 1 kg), were poisoned in two of its neonatal units. According to our information, they are those of Port Royal Hospital in Paris, and Antoine-Béclère in Clamart (Hauts-de-Seine).

Two newborns died, the statement of the AP-HP, the third “is doing well”. The first analyzes have implicated an extremely common bacteria in the air and soil, Bacillus cereus (see cons below). The three infected infants had in common to be fed breast milk from the same batch from the milk bank hosted at Necker Hospital whose distribution has been suspended “as a precaution”. The milk bank, which distributes about 700 liters of breast milk per month, fueling thirty neonatal units in Paris and in the provinces. “It is not possible to assert that this milk is the source of the contamination, but it is not possible to exclude at this stage,” said the AP-HP.

However, microbiological controls on milk pouches Necker, including those administered to three babies, have, to date, proved negative. The germ had not been detected during due diligence prior to the provision of the pockets. A priori, the milk seems so harmless. Moreover, at this stage, continuing the AP-HP, one can not “say whether it is the infection that is causing the worsening of their condition.”

Rest a question: while health protocols protects very premature babies are very restrictive and create real barriers against the risk of infection, the bacterium how she was able to find the body of these overprotected babies? Tests are underway to determine if the Bacillus cereus strain found in three babies is identical. The results should be known “at the latest by end of next week,” replied the AP-HP.

This drama is reminiscent of Chambéry (Savoie), where in December 2013, three babies have died (see below). Analysis of nutrition pockets had demonstrated the presence of bacteria of a new kind.

Until the results of the investigations will be carried out, measures have already been taken to allow very premature Ile-de-France to continue to receive breast milk. To overcome the milk bank conservatory suspension of Necker, other milk banks were requested, mainly that of Marmande (Lot-et-Garonne), the largest milk bank of France. And from yesterday, Jarreau professor, head of neonatology service of Port Royal, appealed to breast milk donations.