Pediatric Cardiologist in Jönköping Prescribes Tenfold Medication Overdose, Leading to Serious Infant Illness

In 2015, a pediatric cardiologist at a clinic in Jönköping prescribed a diuretic medication dosage to a three-month-old boy with heart disease that was ten times higher than recommended. After receiving this overdose, the infant developed severe symptoms including jaundice and vomiting. The parents, alarmed by their child's condition, contacted the hospital and were informed that the dosage had been dangerously excessive. However, rather than admitting to the error, the doctor suggested the child might be allergic to the medication. This misdiagnosis prevented prompt acknowledgement of the malpractice.

Further scrutiny revealed the cardiologist had incorrectly declared 78 children healthy, raising broader concerns about his medical oversight. Following the incident with the infant, a lex Maria investigation — Sweden's protocol for reporting serious medical errors — was initiated. Despite the gravity of the case and the investigation, the cardiologist was not dismissed; instead, he remained employed at the clinic and was later promoted to a senior physician position.

This case underscores critical issues in healthcare accountability and patient safety within pediatric cardiology in Sweden, especially as the responsible doctor's misconduct extended beyond the medication error to include lying about the mistake. It reflects significant systemic failings in addressing medical malpractice transparently and effectively.