Inquest hears Spalding woman had 'adequate literature' - despite being incorrectly prescribed drug

A Spalding woman was provided with ‘adequate literature’ about treatment which led to her death, despite having a drug incorrectly prescribed by her GP, an inquest was told.

Ana De Abreu died at Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital on November 28, 2021, aged 46.

She was suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease which occurs when tissue becomes damaged and scarred.

The clinical cause of death also listed the drug methotrexate and rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate.

Tuesday’s inquest was told Mrs De Abreu’s husband Jose stated his wife - who he said was suffering long-term with breathlessness - was prescribed a drug she had ‘never heard of’ and that she was ‘never told of the side effects it can cause’.

In summary coroner Paul Cooper found that Mrs De Abreu, of Willesby Road, was provided with ‘appropriate literature’ about her treatment, as well as a helpline number should she suffer any further problems, but accepted the information was presented to her after she had been incorrectly prescribed the drug by a GP.

“I think she was provided with appropriate literature but accept that was after she had commenced medication from the GP,” Mr Cooper said.

In conclusion, Mr Cooper referred to documents provided by Dr Batsirai Chiqura, a consultant at Pilgrim Hospital, which stated on September 9, 2016, it was suggested to Mrs De Abreu they move forward with a treatment of methotrexate, which Dr Chiqura described as ‘usually the first line drug of choice’.

Dr Chiqura’s testimony added that an information leaflet had been given to Mrs De Abreu and that a chest X-ray was planned to ensure the patient could move forward with the treatment.

The inquest heard that on September 16 a GP based at Spalding GP surgery had prescribed methotrexate to Mrs De Abreu, despite Dr Chiqura stating this should not have been done.

“This is the first time I’ve seen a GP prescribe outside guidelines,” Dr Chiqura told the inquest.

The GP has since retired.

Dr Chiqura also stated Mrs De Abreu met with a specialist nurse on October 25, when information about the drug was given, including the fact it could cause inflammation of the lungs and breathlessness.

It was also stated Mrs De Abreu signed a consent form to move forward with the medication.

Mrs De Abreu was treated in hospital on February 1, 2017, the first time, Dr Chiqura said, her breathlessness was raised at the hospital.

“From February ample evidence of breathlessness was raised,” Mr Cooper added.

In conclusion, Mr Cooper added: “As soon as the doctor (Chiqura) found out (about the breathlessness) he took her off (the medication).

“It was necessary to have the treatment and the risks were known and adequate literature provided.”

Ana was a 'great mother and great wife'

Mum-of-three Ana De Abreu will be remembered as a ‘great mother and great wife’, her family have said.

“She was kind and always helping everybody. She was always trying to help people,” husband Jose De Abreu said.

“She was a great mother, a great wife.

“I was always out of the country for work, she raised the three children by herself.

“We were married 20 years and she didn’t deserve this.”

Eldest son Daniel added: “I learnt a lot from her. She was a very patient person and even when she was ill, if she could help out she would.

“She was always there to help out and never put herself first.

“It was only towards the end when she started to be very ill that she started thinking about herself.”