Hospital Patient with OSA Given IV Opioids but Not CPAP, Causing Anoxic Brain Injury; $7M Settlement

A hospital patient with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was given intravenous (IV) opioids but not continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), suffering severe anoxic brain injury. In a lawsuit brought against the hospital and other defendants in New Jersey state court, the parties have settled for $7 million, according to an article in the February 2022 issue of Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts.

The 55-year-old patient presented to the emergency department (ED) after falling from a four-foot ladder. He was diagnosed with a lumbar compression fracture, given pain medication, and admitted with IV opioids for pain. Although he had a history of OSA,...