The management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) in Awka, Anambra State, has set the record straight regarding the passing of a pregnant patient, Mrs. Amarachi Uche-Chukwudokwe.
The hospital issued a statement to counter viral social media reports alleging that the expectant mother died from minor cold and catarrh symptoms.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Ms. Henrietta Agbai, medical records show that the patient was transferred to COOUTH from a private facility while suffering from severe generalised body swelling and acute breathing difficulties.
Diagnostic findings confirm severe kidney condition
Following comprehensive clinical evaluations, doctors diagnosed Mrs. Uche-Chukwudokwe with nephrotic syndrome—a critical kidney disorder marked by damaged filtering vessels, elevated protein levels in urine, low blood protein, and fluid retention.
Lab tests further revealed severe anaemia alongside pleural effusion, painting a complex medical picture far removed from the mild respiratory illness described online.
“Contrary to claims that the patient presented to our hospital at 14 weeks of pregnancy with ‘cold and catarrh’, hospital records show that she was presented to our facility after having been managed at a private hospital for generalised body swelling and difficulty in breathing,” the official statement clarified.
Refusal of timely medical advice contributed to tragic outcome
Providing additional context on the case, the Chief Medical Director of COOUTH, Dr. Maureen Umeakuewulu, revealed that the medical team had initially advised terminating the pregnancy to safeguard the mother’s life.
However, the patient and her husband initially declined the expert medical recommendation.
By the time the couple consented to the procedure, the medical team’s interventions were unable to reverse her deteriorating condition.
The hospital urged members of the public and social media users to refrain from spreading unverified information that undermines healthcare institutions, reaffirming its dedication to ethical, evidence-based medical care and patient confidentiality.
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